Beach litter changes on Scottish island over 50 years examined by drone technology

dailyrecord.co.uk:

New research will show how coastal litter from the ocean has changed over the past 50 years on the Isle of Skye.Conducted by researchers at Loughborough University, the project will bring together local heritage, drones, and mobile phone apps to explore how the distribution and characteristics of litter on beaches have changed over the past half century.Dr Tom Stanton, of the Department of Geography and Environment, and Melissa Schiele, a PhD student in the School of Mechanical, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineering, have received an innovation grant from the UK marine conservation charity Sea-Changers to explore how litter has changed on the Scottish island.

The pair are collaborating with local organisations and residents on Skye to examine how the distribution and characteristics of litter on beaches have altered, as well as investigate the presence of microplastic pollution and textile fibres in coastal waters.

The year-long study will see the researchers gather oral histories and conduct community beach litter surveys using mobile phone litter-logging apps.

Schiele will also use drones to collect data from up in the sky as well as engage local residents with UAV technologies.It is hoped that this will contribute to an innovative new environmental surveying toolkit that will empower residents in Skye and beyond to monitor their beaches.Schiele, who also conducts drone-based research in the Maldives, commented: "I'm thrilled at the opportunity to work with Dr Tom Stanton to trial this exciting 'hands-on' multidisciplinary approach to data gathering and citizen science.