Marine litter pollution associated with hydrothermal sites in the Aeolian archipelago (western Mediterranean Sea)

The Aeolian Archipelago, in the western Mediterranean Sea, is an active volcanic arc hosting several hydrothermal sites. This area, considered a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem by The Food and Agriculture Organization because of its ecological importance and biodiversity value, is affected by various pressures and threats that may act as sources of marine litter. The aim of this paper was to analyse the composition and distribution of marine litter on the seafloor of this archipelago with a specific focus on the hydrothermal areas, using almost 60 h of remotely operated vehicle footage collected at depths of 15 to 411 m. Derelict fishing gear represented the main source of marine debris (71.9% of the overall litter); nevertheless, the observed mean litter density was quite low (0.57 items/100 m2) when compared with other Mediterranean areas, probably because fisheries in the area mainly use pelagic gear that has a low impact on the seabed. No differences were found in litter densities between hydrothermal and non-hydrothermal zones. The occurrence of benthic fauna impacted by debris was rarely recorded (only 10.6% of litter items showed interactions with species) and entanglement was the most commonly observed impact. However, both the density of synthetic fishing gear and its impact on habitats and species are bound to increase over time. Overall, plastics constituted most of the marine litter (79.7%). So, prevention and mitigation measures are needed in order to protect this sensitive ecosystem. To this end, the most effective strategy could be the establishment of a Marine Protected Area or a Site of Community Importance, due to the presence of habitats (“submarine structures made by leaking gases” and “reefs”) listed in Annex I of the European Habitats Directive, where all fishing activities could be strictly regulated.