The pervasive issue of microplastics in our oceans has garnered significant attention in recent years. As these tiny pollutants infiltrate marine ecosystems, the demand for accurate and comprehensive data on their distribution, composition, and size increases. Understanding the diverse impacts of microplastics is crucial for developing effective future mitigation strategies. However, marine research institutes alone often lack the resources to conduct such extensive studies across the globe. This is where citizen science steps in, offering a powerful way to augment scientific efforts with the help of dedicated non-scientists.
One such initiative is the BEAGLE Microplastics North Atlantic Project, a remarkable example of citizen science in action. Two sailors, while preparing for their journey across the North Atlantic aboard their 11-meter steel yacht “Beagle,” chose to dedicate their voyage to supporting marine conservation efforts. Using their time at sea, they collected microplastic samples, contributing valuable data to the study of these pollutants in the world’s largest ecosystem.
The sampling was conducted with a specialized net designed for microplastic collection, featuring a mesh size of 300 µm. The samples gathered by these citizen scientists were then analyzed in the SOOP Microplastic Laboratory. The analysis focused on several key parameters: the concentration of microplastics, the types of polymers present, and the size distribution of the particles. This data is essential for understanding not only the extent of microplastic pollution but also its potential sources and pathways in the marine environment.
The involvement of citizen scientists and society in such projects not only broadens the database available to professional researchers but also does so at a lower cost and with reduced environmental impact compared to traditional research methods. This approach exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the SOOP | Shaping an Ocean Of Possibilities platform, where we aim to foster innovation through partnerships between science, industry and society.
The success of the BEAGLE microplastics project in the North Atlantic is a testament to the power of citizen science. The feedback from the participating citizen scientist was resoundingly positive. More and more non-scientific ocean enthusiasts now can contribute to meaningful scientific research. This project illustrates how individual efforts combined with a professional scientific framework can significantly improve our understanding of critical environmental issues such as microplastic pollution.
The BEAGLE Microplastics North Atlantic Project not only enriches our knowledge of microplastic distribution in the North Atlantic but also showcases the invaluable role that citizen scientists can play in global environmental research. As we continue to face the challenges of marine pollution, initiatives like these remind us of the potential for collaboration and innovation by tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues.
More details about the BEAGLE Microplastics North Atlantic Project HERE
Read more about the Coastal Pollution Toolbox HERE
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