Harmonizing Marine Litter Monitoring in the Wider Caribbean Region: A Hybrid Approach

This report assesses options for harmonising marine litter monitoring in the Wider Caribbean Region, with a focus on shoreline litter. It compares the monitoring methodologies of the OSPAR Marine Litter Monitoring protocol and three citizen science initiatives managed by Ocean Conservancy, using evaluation criteria adapted from earlier United Nations guidance. The study examines survey objectives, sampling design, litter categorisation, quality assurance, data management and governance arrangements, and includes a case study from Bonaire testing a hybrid approach. It finds significant methodological and governance differences affecting data comparability and trend analysis, and outlines a hybrid system combining comprehensive fixed-site monitoring with volunteer-based rapid assessments, supported by adapted database infrastructure and regional coordination.