Uncategorized
Measuring marine microplastics
Published
10 years agoon
Nonprofit seeks with lab for ocean data collection
By Emily Wolfe Explore Big Sky Managing Editor
BOZEMAN/BLUE HILL, Maine – Scientists at the Marine Environmental Research Institute in Maine have found microplastics in nearly every liter of ocean water they’ve examined – water from places including coastal Maine, Alaska, Argentina, Thailand and Antarctica.
To collect data worldwide, MERI has partnered with the Bozeman-based nonprofit Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, which connects scientists in need of data with adventure enthusiasts able to collect those samples.
Although microplastic particles are so small they’re almost invisible, they attract toxins that adhere to the floating plastics. Ingested by small marine life, they then move up the food chain, where they may bioaccumulate in larger marine animals, birds and humans.
“It becomes more and more concentrated, and more and more toxic [as it moves up] the food chain,” explained Abby Barrows, coastal monitoring and outreach coordinator at MERI, in an instructional video for citizen data collectors.
Microplastics can enter the water cycle via degradation of larger plastic debris, fishing gear and shopping bags; by way of particles laundered from clothing; and also from some cosmetics and toothpastes, among other sources.
Supported by a Patagonia Environmental Grant, the collaboration with ASC allows MERI to greatly expand its research efforts. But Barrows still needs more samples, and another partnership – one, between ASC and the Great Pacific Race, will help, according to ASC program director Mike Quist Kautz.
A high profile race new in 2014, the GPR launches June 7 from Monterey, Calif., its participants rowing the 2,100-plus nautical miles solo and in teams to Honolulu, Hawaii. In addition to breaking world records for that stretch of ocean, some of the athletes will collect samples for MERI. As they gather data from remote areas of the Pacific, they will also draw attention to the microplastics issue, Kautz said.
“This is a really pernicious form of pollution that isn’t widely known by the public,” Kautz said. “It poses a huge threat to the entire marine ecosystem.” While this study focuses on oceans, microplastics are likely found in freshwater rivers and lakes, as well, Kautz said.
The main focus of the MERI study to date has been in Penobscot Bay, Maine near the lab in Blue Hill, where samples analyzed have had an average of 28 pieces of microplastic per liter.
ASC’s goal this year is to work with upwards of 500 volunteers, Kautz said. The project is open to various ocean enthusiasts, including sailors, surfers, divers, sea kayakers and beach walkers.
“The samples we’ve received from ASC volunteers internationally [have] helped us gain a better perspective on the microplastics issue,” Barrows said. “This is an issue not only of local coastal water concern. It’ s a global issue.”
For both MERI and ASC, the ultimate objective is to use this evidence to work with federal lawmakers to reduce the use of plastics and by doing so, promote a healthier environment.
Find more information and learn how to get involved, at adventureandscience.org/microplastics.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
more
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome to come, if you don’t know who to bring come alone this is a great mixer event! This is an event hosted by Big Sky OUT as we work to provide queer safe spaces throughout the community.
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Cowboy Coffee
25 Town Center Ave. Big Sky, MT 59716