New marine research: microplastics

You have probably seen photos of huge rafts of plastic in the ocean. But do you know about microplastics? Less than 5 mm in size, they are small enough for multiple particles to exist within a single cell, and are ubiquitous across the marine environment − at scarily high concentrations. They can sink to the bottom of the ocean, wash up on beaches or accumulate inside marine organisms.

Because of their danger to humans and wildlife, A Rocha is beginning microplastic research in France. Sand samples will be collected monthly from the Camargue coast to determine the quantity of microplastics present over the course of the year. These samples will ultimately feed into a Mediterranean-wide programme, generating a better picture of the sources of microplastic pollution and how they degrade over time. Alongside the dissemination of information to the public – the problem, the causes, and what they can they do to help – more effective solutions for reducing the addition of microplastics to the Mediterranean Ocean will be identified and their implementation encouraged.

Do you want to help? Join our field researchers to collect samples and help process them in the comfort of A Rocha’s Les Tourades Field Study Centre in Provence. We need volunteers each month – find out more volunteering details and more about microplastics.