Human dimensions of marine litter: public awareness in the urbanized area of Çanakkale Strait

Marine litter has become one of the major environmental pressures affecting coastal and marine ecosystems worldwide, largely driven by human activities and consumption patterns. Understanding the human dimension of marine environmental problems is therefore essential for effective marine ecosystem protection and management. This study aims to assess public awareness, perceptions, and attitudes toward wastes and marine litter in the urbanized area of the coastal region of Çanakkale Strait (Türkiye), with a focus on human–marine environment interactions. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey conducted with local residents living in Çanakkale, the most urbanized coastline at the western outreach of the Strait towards the Aegean Sea.The survey examined participants’ awareness of marine litter sources, perceived environmental impacts, preferred mitigation measures, and willingness to participate in coastal clean-up activities. Descriptive statistical methods were used to evaluate general awareness levels and public perceptions related to marine litter. The findings indicate that respondents largely recognize plastic as the most prominent component of marine litter and demonstrate a generally positive attitude toward participation in mitigation activities. However, limited prior exposure to marine litter-related information and the predominance of individual-based solutions, such as “warning people” suggest gaps in deeper structural awareness and policy-level understanding. Given the strategic role of the Çanakkale Strait as a marine corridor connecting multiple seas, local human behavior may have implications beyond the study area. The study provides baseline information on public awareness in an urbanized strait setting and offers insights to support coastal management practices, environmental education programs, and participatory marine litter monitoring initiatives.