Assessment of fishing-related debris in artificial groynes along the largest coastal city in Argentina.

Artificial groynes are used globally for activities like recreational fishing and have the potential to accumulate debris, which can subsequently be released into the marine environment, representing a potential threat to marine ecosystems and human health. Mar del Plata is the largest coastal city in Argentina, hosting the country's most significant commercial harbour, and serving as a key destination for recreational fishing activities. Fishing-related debris was recorded across 45 artificial groynes and classified by origin as either recreational or non-recreational. Debris abundance was evaluated based on groyne construction material, orientation, and location. A total of 2146 fishing-related debris was recorded. A higher abundance of recreational debris and a greater accumulation on groynes constructed with orthoquartzite rocks was estimated. Monofilament, bait bags, and ropes dominated both in terms of abundance and frequency of occurrence. Furthermore, the chemical composition of 357 plastic fishing debris was identified using FTIR. The dominant polymers were polyamide, polyethylene, and polystyrene. This research constitutes the first study in Argentina to quantify and perform a polymeric determination of fishing-related debris disposed on artificial groynes. Trapped fishing recreational debris primarily originates from fishers using the immediate or nearby groyne areas, thus identifying preferential fishing sectors would allow for concentrated efforts in waste management policies.