When stating levels of concern for a number of environmental issues, including overfishing, coastal flooding and ocean acidification, the term 'pollution', particularly water and oil pollution, was mentioned frequently. Marine debris-related terms, such as 'litter', ‘rubbish’ and ‘beach cleanliness' were also reported, but much less frequently (Figure 9.1). Such surveys are helpful for catching the public mood, but some caution is warranted.