Mangrove forests as a natural trap for marine plastic litter: Insights from the Maldives

Abstract

Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, which naturally trap debris due to their complex, three-dimensional structures. In the Maldives, inadequate plastic waste management exacerbates the accumulation of plastic in these critically endangered ecosystems, which are characterized by unique morphologies consisting of small patches with tide-influenced water bodies. Despite their ecological and socio-economic importance, mangroves in the archipelago have remained undocumented in terms of plastic pollution. This micro article presents the first evidence of plastic debris in Maldivian mangroves with accumulation observed on four islands dominated by species like Ceriops tagal, Bruguiera cylindrica, Rhizophora mucronata, and Pemphis acidula. The high tree density and the three-dimensional structure of these mangroves act as natural traps for marine litter, particularly single-use PET water bottles. These findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts and waste management policies to prevent further degradation and ensure their long-term sustainability.