Arctic beach litter

September 2018 I was back on Svalbard to investigate the type and sources of marine litter. Part of the plastic litter washing up on the beaches in this remote area are carried over long distance by the Gulf Stream. Other items are from shipping or fisheries in the Barents Sea.

The beautiful Schooner Noorderlicht served as expedition ship, taking us to some places along the coastline where not many vistors land. During our investigation, staff and passengers joined the effort, so we managed to cover large areas on some of the beaches.