Coastal Protection and Sustainable Management in Kapsali Bay, Kythera Island: Insights from a Multidisciplinary Summer School Project

Coastal and marine pollution caused by human activities represents one of the most significant environmental challenges worldwide. Marine litter, particularly solid waste such as plastics, paper, metal, glass, and other synthetic materials, poses serious threats to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, coastal environments, and human health. The Mediterranean Sea is especially vulnerable to pollution due to intense tourism, fishing activities, maritime transport, and coastal development.

This study investigates the occurrence and composition of solid waste on Kapsali Beach, located on Kythera Island, Greece. Primary field research was conducted through systematic beach monitoring and litter collection. Waste items were collected and recorded twice daily (morning and evening) during the sampling period. All collected solid waste was classified and coded according to standardized litter categorization protocols to ensure consistency and reliability in data processing.

The collected data were entered into a database and statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the abundance, composition, and distribution of litter categories. The results indicated that plastic materials constituted the dominant fraction of the collected waste, highlighting the significant contribution of human activities to coastal pollution. Tourism-related activities, improper waste disposal, and recreational use of coastal areas were identified as major factors influencing litter accumulation on the beach.

The findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring programs, improved waste management practices, and enhanced public environmental awareness. Implementing effective mitigation measures is essential for reducing marine litter and protecting coastal ecosystems. This study contributes to the understanding of marine litter dynamics in Mediterranean coastal environments and provides valuable information for environmental management and sustainable coastal conservation strategies.