Marine Debris and Microplastics
Marine Debris is recognized as a major issue for our oceans and other waterways. And while the oceans are often our primary focus for addressing this pollution challenge, directing our efforts towards the estuary and its tributaries is both accessible and impactful. If you consider that land is the largest source of marine debris, then the most effective way to stop the pollution is at its source. Marine debris is also a major source of microplastics. Our sampling protocol for marine debris is a way to remove and reduce these pollutant from the environment, and will contribute to ongoing research if you upload your data through the app listed at the end of the protocol.
Microplastics is both an environmental and health issue. Most plastic as it ages, starts to break down into smaller and smaller particles. When a piece of plastic breaks down until it is < 5 mm in size it is called a "microplastic." Microplastics are widespread in the environment and have been measured in wildlife and humans through unintended consumption and inhalation. While our sampling protocol will not directly remove enough microplastics from the environment to reduce their pollution, it is extremely useful in helping us to better understand the scope of the problem.