Understanding the animal waste issue on World beaches
2024
Rangel-buitrago, Nelson | Ben-haddad, Mohamed | Galgani, Francois | Pereira Da Silva, Carlos | Neal, William J.
This opinion paper emphasizes the often overlooked but significant issue of animal waste (AW) pollution on beaches, encompassing waste from domestic pets, livestock, wildlife, avians, aquatic animals, zoo animals, and insects. Animal waste pollution affects beach environments, leading to nutrient loading, chemical contamination, and pathogen transmission. Furthermore, this type of pollution degrades water quality, impacting tourism and local economies. This paper proposes four categories of AW based on its source and impact, offering a coastal management perspective. Similarly, a comprehensive approach to addressing AW pollution on beaches is presented, with a focus on removal, education, prevention, mitigation, and behavioral change. Strategies are customized to different beach typologies, considering user demographics, accessibility, and environmental sensitivity. The information presented here highlights the necessity for effective management and mitigation of AW pollution on beaches, show up the interdependence of ecological health, public well-being, and economic vitality in coastal areas.
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