Seasonal comparison of beach litter on Mediterranean coastal sites (Alicante, SE Spain)

Presence of beach litter was assessed during spring and summer seasons 2018, at 56 sites along the coast of Alicante Province (SE Spain). Selected sites covered “remote” (9), “rural” (10) “village” (17) and “urban” (20) bathing areas. In an area of 201,700 m2, a total of 10,101 litter items (Avg: 0.062 items m-2) was counted in spring, and 20,857 (Avg: 0.116 items m−2) in summer. The most significant seasonal evolution was observed in the cigarette butt, group which increased from 4607 to 12843 units. Plastic represented the dominant material in both seasons (82.6 and 83.5% respectively). Litter items increased greatly during the summer season despite the increasing frequency of cleaning operations and were essentially related to beach users activities. Secondarily, beach litter was related to wastewater discharges and fishing activities. Beach litter management along investigated sites must be based on plans to reduce litter sources. For that, it is necessary to consider beach typology along with the seasonal influx of visitors to define the most appropriate management actions, not forgetting the implementation of environmental education, essential in schools and media. [Display omitted] •Beach litter in western Mediterranean is dominated by plastics and cigarette butts.•Cigarette butts are a serious problem in the most visited coastal sites.•Most beach litter has a local origin, essentially related to beachgoers.•Litter impact on tourism is relevant at Alicante, a Sun, Sea and Sand destination.•Beach litter abundance was 0.062 in spring and 0.116 items m−2 in summer.