Detecting the most effective cleanup locations using network theory to reduce marine plastic debris: a case study in the Galapagos Marine Reserve

Abstract. The Galapagos Marine Reserve was established in 1986 to ensure protection of the islands' unique biodiversity. Unfortunately, islands are polluted by marine plastic debris and island authorities face challenge effectively remove from its shorelines owing limited resources. To optimize efforts, we have developed a methodology identify most effective cleanup locations on Islands using network theory. A is constructed Lagrangian simulation describing flow macroplastic between various within Reserve, where nodes represent along coastline edges likelihood leaving one location beaching at another. We found four centralities that provide best ranking effort based impact metrics. Locations with high retention rate particularly favorable for cleanup. results indicate centrality finding good strategy heavily regions if distribution coastlines unknown resources available.