The report is written by Keep Norway Beautiful on request from the Ministry of Environment. The report was first presented at the Oslo Seminar on Marine Littering 10th January 2012.

The Norwegian Coastal Cleanup 2011
A report of the Norwegian commitment to solving marine littering

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Keep Norway Beautiful organized the Norwegian Coastal Cleanup 2011 as a response to the increasing awareness of marine littering as an environmental problem.

The report from the Norwegian Coastal Cleanup 2011 summarizes the records of marine litter on beaches in Norway. It is estimated that 15% of the marine waste can be found on beaches and along the coast, while 70% is located on the bottom and 15% flow (OSPAR 2010). The pilot project, affiliated with the International Coastal Cleanup, consisted of beach cleaning operations along the Norwegian coast for the purpose of clearing, registering and engaging. More than 2,000 volunteers cleared and recorded what they found on a total of 100 kilometers of coastline. The volunteers spent 5598 hours to clean, and collected a minimum of 1242 waste bags.

The report provides on the basis of these data reflections regarding the extent and composition of the marine pollution in Norway. It also points out possible measures to reduce the problem. The report is written by Keep Norway Beautiful on request from the Ministry of Environment.

Keep Norway Beautiful wants to put marine litter on the agenda and encourage greater involvement, knowledge and cooperation to solve the environmental problem. The Norwegian report " Knowledge of marine litter" (Hals et al 2010) found that marine litter is a significant environmental problem in Norway and created the basis for Keep Norway Beautifuls work with marine littering.

The waste found on the Norwegian coast suggest that plastic products are a major problem. Local industries (especially the fishing industry) also represent a major source of littering. In addition, hazardous waste, leisure-related waste, “tiny trash” and dumped waste was a significant part of the problem. The sources and type of waste varies geographically, and depends on the use of the area, it being commercial or leisure activities.

The Norwegian Coastal Cleanup confirms that marine litter is a problem along the Norwegian coast, and provides updated information about the composition of the waste. Despite the fact that marine litter generally is hard to connect to its original owner, the waste can still often be traced back to a source which grants us the possibility of finding specific solutions for each category of waste. The Norwegian Coastal Cleanup displayed a huge commitment within local authorities, organizations, groups and among individuals with a desire to contribute. The existing commitment opens the possibilities for further actions.

The private sector must take responsibility for the part of marine pollution that can be related to their sector, e.g. the fishing and fishfarming industry, shipping etc. Authorities should in turn take action that utilizes the existing commitment. The Norwegian Coastal Cleanup shows the need for awareness-raising activities and a need for more information about the facts related to marine littering. Beach Cleanups provides a snapshot of the marine littering, and creates awareness, but does not replace the authorities responsibility for the ongoing cleanup and monitoring.

-

Main Findings

• Plastic products are a major problem. There were registered 50,646 objects, of which 29,540 was plastic.
• The fishing industry contributes with nets, ropes, lines, hooks, traps, buoys and floats.
• “Tiny trash” constitute a significant portion of the waste (cigarette butts, cotton swabs and broken pieces), and is a threat to birds and animals when it is mistaken as food.
• Much of the waste is related to recreational activities on the beaches and at sea.
• Hazardous waste was found in surprisingly large quantities. It was for instance found 42 barrels of oil and 576 cans of oil and petrol.
• Large objects (washing machines, tires, etc.) were found dumped along the coast.

_

Main Conclusions

• Marine littering is a widespread problem along the entire coast of Norway.
• Marine littering along the Norwegian coast is mainly the result of activities on Norwegian soil and coastal waters.
• The waste can be traced to its sources, despite the fact that marine waste is genereally regarded without owner.
• The Norwegian Coastal Cleanup resulted in the formation of a movement. Many volunteers have been involved and are willing to contribute, which creates a valuable foundation for implementing measures to reduce marine litter in Norway.

_

Further work and proposed initiatives nationally and internationally

• Broad cooperation is necessary and should include the organizations and NGOs, governmental agencies, and businesses, nationally and internationally. Cooperation requires clear leadership, with clear common goals and responsibilities.
• We need more knowledge about marine littering, but the knowledge gap should not be used as an argument against the implementation of necessary measures. Action will lead to increased knowledge and inspire commitment.
• Beach cleanups should be done continuously, and will help reduce the 15 percent of the marine waste estimated located on the beaches (OSPAR 2009).
• Marine litter is mainly on the seabed and in ocean currents. Measures such as "Fishing for litter" should be investigated for implementation in Norwegian waters.
• We need more knowledge, particularly about the part of marine litter that remains in the sea or the seabed.
• There is a need for improved recycling schemes for industrial waste and waste from boats.
• Communication projects can help to reduce marine litter. Clean up campaigns and the registering of litter are basis for such communication.
• The Norwegian authorities should clarify their own and others' responsibilities.
• Litter must be included in the new Norwegian waste policy and be part of the waste hierarchy.

_

The Norwegian Coastal Cleanup 5th of May 2012
The Norwegian Coastal Cleanup is considered a good initiative to raise awareness, eliminate waste and documenting marine littering. The pilot project was a success, 2000 volunteers cleared and registered, and the project was covered broadly in the media (more than 110 stories in the press). The pilot project will continue in 2012, but moved to the spring to coordinate with local authorities work on getting ready for the National day 17th of May, and the use of beaches in the summer.

Oslo, January 2012.
For more information, please contact . All photos by Bo Eide.