'eXXpedition' Leg 4 science
The collection of data regarding (micro)plastic abundance, distribution and composition is important as it provides an indication of hotspots of accumulation and how it may pose a threat to the organisms that live there.
By identifying the polymer types of the (micro)plastics that we collect, we are able to get an idea about the source of the plastic. This helps us better understand the problem, where the plastic is coming from and look towards solutions!
We carried 2 types of science:
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In the oceans
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On land
Oceans
science
Traditionally it has been thought that the majority of plastic would be present in the surface layer. However, recently we are finding micro-plastics (<5microns) in all marine layers.
In order to validate the presence of micro-plastics and its concentration in the marine environment, it is important to sample various sediment, sub surface and surface layers.
1) Surface water: Manta trawls
Ocean motion is complex and variable, which means the distributions of plastics can also vary over time, therefore continued studies are needed to examine temporal and spatial patterns.
2)Subsurface water: Sampling with NISKIN bottles
This study will challenge perceptions that microplastics reside only in surface waters while contributing novel data to address gaps in our understanding of the distribution of microplastics within subsurface waters.
3)Subtidal sediment: Van veen sediment sampling
This will form a global analysis of the distribution, abundance and polymer composition of microplastics in subtidal sediments. We are testing the hypothesis that sediments are a ‘sink’ for microplastics and will perform analysis to determine the abundance and polymer composition in coastal sediments.
Science and community
on land
Upstream and downstream waste management.
eXXpedition is promoting citizen science as "public participation in scientific research," participatory monitoring, and participatory action, research whose outcomes are often advancements in scientific research or changes.
1) The Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP)
CAP involves the collection of community-level data by each crew in the countries eXXpedition visit. This includes mismanaged waste and waste infrastructure, and will be put into use informing decisions about how to reduce land-based plastic pollution.
2)Beach & Dive cleans
The collection and analysis of debris on the beach and on the underwater shores. Carefully collected for global data capture and analysis.
3) Understanding local waste management
and
4) Engaging with the local community and influencers / law makers
The upstream waste management systems, the attitudes to waste and plastics and the political and economic environment surrounding this are key for understanding and finding solutions to the challenges faced by small islands surviving on tourism. One thing is certain, there is pride in the Carribeans!