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
march, 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
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
18mar8:00 pm10:00 pmGays on Blades8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Event Type :SportsEvent City:Big Sky
Event Details
Join Big Sky OUT at the Len Hill Park Community Ice Rink for a free and inclusive ice skating event for all levels. Everyone is welcome, especially allies! There will be
Event Details
Join Big Sky OUT at the Len Hill Park Community Ice Rink for a free and inclusive ice skating event for all levels. Everyone is welcome, especially allies! There will be hot cocoa donated by the Hungry Moose and pizza donated by Blue Moon Bakery. Ice skate rentals are available at East Slope Outdoors until 8pm.
Time
(Monday) 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm