Citizen Science Protocol for beach plastic monitoring using aerial drones

Abstract

Plastic pollution on beaches is a pressing environmental issue characterized by the accumulation of plastic debris, ranging from bottles and bags to microplastics, along coastal areas worldwide. This pollution not only tarnishes the natural beauty of beaches but also poses significant threats to marine ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Monitoring plastic pollution on beaches is crucial for several reasons: Environmental Impact, Human Health Concerns, Economic Impact, Policy and Regulation, Public Awareness. The situation is more crucial for wild beaches with bad accessibility. Technology is used in this context to resolve such problems.