Book recommendation “Mülleimer Strand

A Wake-Up Call to Act Against Ocean Pollution

Our seas are increasingly becoming dumping grounds. Instead of shells and snails, today one finds plastic, metal, cigarette butts, worn-out tires, and other materials as displaced beach debris. The catastrophic effects of this pollution range from dying marine animals to economic damage to tourism. The international ocean conservation organization OceanCare recommends the book “Mülleimer Strand” (Trashcan Beach) by renowned marine biologist, Michael Stachowitsch, now also available in German, as an educational and entertaining Christmas read. And the next beach holiday is sure to come!

Michael Stachowitsch, a marine biologist at the University of Vienna and for two decades Austria’s representative on the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), has created a compelling visualization of marine pollution with “Mülleimer Strand”. Over the last decades, the author has documented, photographed, and analyzed these beach contaminations. He developed a guide on how to become a beach trash expert or “beach detective”. More than 600 impressive color photos document various types of beach waste, from plastic to glass to metal. But this book goes far beyond a mere inventory.

The author not only provides detailed information about the origin and decomposition stages of the items but also raises awareness of the threats they pose to the environment (and to us as “barefoot beach visitors”). “Mülleimer Strand” combines serious insights with a touch of humor, inspiring the reader to take action. The book is not just a call to admire the breathtaking beauty of the beaches, but also a wake-up call to action.

“Protecting our oceans requires collective efforts. ‘Mülleimer Strand’ is more than just a book, it is an invitation to everyone to actively fight against marine pollution. As attentive beach detectives, we can collectively make a positive impact on our environment,” says Fabienne McLellan, Director of the international marine conservation organization OceanCare about ‘Mülleimer Strand’, adding: “Actually, the book should be mandatory reading for all participants in the negotiations on a global plastics agreement under the United Nations, motivating them to tackle the problem at its source.”

OceanCare is committed to fighting the ongoing pollution of the seas worldwide and shares thoughts on this urgent environmental issue in the foreword of the book.

About the Author: Dr. Michael Stachowitsch

After earning a B.Sc. degree at the University of Pittsburgh (USA), Michael Stachowitsch completed his doctorate and habilitation at the University of Vienna. Here, he managed to make a career as a marine biologist in a landlocked country. He particularly researches in the Adriatic and the Red Sea and also holds numerous lectures. He long served as the Austrian coordinator of a project to protect sea turtles in Turkey and is part of the Austrian delegation at the International Whaling Commission. Michael Stachowitsch’s diverse activities as a scientist, author, translator, and editor have taken him to coasts all over the world. And while the fauna and flora differ from beach to beach, the trash is astonishingly uniform – and present in rough quantities.

About OceanCare

Since 1989, OceanCare has been passionately and scientifically committed to vibrant oceans. The non-governmental organization based in Switzerland is a UN special advisor and contributes internationally to achieving the sustainability goals of the Agenda 2030. Marine pollution and climate crisis, species extinction and hunting are central issues. OceanCare initiates groundbreaking reforms – from functioning marine protected areas to a strong UN high seas agreement and a global treaty to prevent plastic pollution, to preventing oil and gas exploration on the seabed.