Marine debris directly interferes with traditional coastal livelihoods, especially fishing. Plastic waste, discarded nets, and other debris damage boats and fishing gear, forcing fishers to invest time and money into repairs rather than productive work. Fish populations are also affected, as debris destroys habitats and entangles marine life. When daily catches shrink, household incomes decline, pushing families into financial uncertainty. For small-scale fishers with limited resources, this pressure can mean abandoning a way of life that has existed for centuries.
