Marine anthropogenic litter (MAL) pollution is a growing concern in coastal environments. These ecosystems are home to rich biodiversity but face significant challenges due to the accumulation of plastics and other solid waste, compromising the region's natural aesthetics and environmental health. This study investigates how marine pollution and the accumulation of MAL impact these ecosystems. We use the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) as an example to illustrate the potential risks associated with this pollution, especially for those species that nest near coastal regions along the Brazilian Amazon coast. At Atalaia Beach, the data collected revealed a significant diversity of MAL, totaling approximately 532 items. Among them, styrofoam and foam were the most representative, with 33.08% and 21.05%, respectively, totaling 54.14% of the recorded MAL. The distribution of these materials indicates a correlation with human activities, especially the use of plastics for fishing and recreation. Notably, styrofoam and foam were frequently found in burrowing owl burrows, highlighting the use of MAL around nests and the potential risks this plastic material poses to the species' nesting and rearing of their chicks.
Keywords: Burrowing owl; Conservation; Environmental awareness; Marine pollution; Plastic material; Terrestrial birds.
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