Clean-coast index—A new approach for beach cleanliness assessment

A clean-coast index (CCI) was developed and is suggested as a tool for evaluation of the actual coast cleanliness. It measures plastic debris as a beach cleanliness indicator, in an easy way precluding bias by the assessor. Furthermore, the CCI is the measuring tool of the “Clean Coast” program—a new, long-term approach for cleaner beaches by various activities such as an increase in the public awareness. The CCI was proved to be a useful tool for measuring progress and the success of activities such as education campaigns, media coverage and enforcement actions.