Plastic pellets on the beaches of the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

The occurrence of plastic pellets on the Jordanian beaches along the northeastern side of the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) is being reported for the first time. Five beaches of about 4,650 m in length and 134,000 m(2) in area were surveyed for the presence of these spherules during two successive years. Pellets with a variety of colors, shapes and sizes were found. The presence of these pellets is most likely due to accidental spillages: cargo loss during sea transport and sweeping of raw plastic materials, such as those imported as feedstock for local plastic factories in Jordan, into shore by wave action. When compared with other beaches of other parts of the world, the Jordanian beaches on the Gulf of Aqaba are considered heavily polluted with these pellets. This report discusses type, degree of degradation, sources and possible effects on the marine environment and suggests actions to reduce the input of plastic pellets to the marine environment at the source.