Event Title
Microplastics in the Salish Sea: A wholistic approach
Presentation Abstract
Plastic production has increased globally at an exponential rate and with it so has marine plastic pollution. The Salish Sea is home to many ecologically and economically important species as well as substantial urban populations, making it one of the most interesting and important locations to study regional microplastic sources and contamination. The field of marine microplastics is rapidly growing, doubling roughly every year; the Salish Sea has been involved in research since 2008, developed NOAA’s marine debris methods. This panel aims to highlight the wholistic approach of marine microplastic research and removal efforts in the Salish Sea through examining how types of samples (sediment, water, organism etc.), spatial-temporal scales, and methodologies, can be utilized and applied to community-driven questions. Here, we discuss the field from multiple perspectives, including academic, NGO, government, policy, BIPOC youth, and businesses from the US and Canada. We will delve into the intricacies of how regional microplastic research goes beyond tradition published and peer reviewed scientific papers, often including work done with community members, volunteer groups, students, and activists. We are committed to reducing marine plastic pollution and believe that working together through a combination of science, policy, and public awareness are necessary.
Session Title
Microplastics in the Salish Sea (Panel)
Conference Track
SSE10: Contaminants
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2022 : Online)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
SSE-panels-65
Start Date
27-4-2022 1:30 PM
End Date
27-4-2022 3:00 PM
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
Type
Text
Language
English
Microplastics in the Salish Sea: A wholistic approach
Plastic production has increased globally at an exponential rate and with it so has marine plastic pollution. The Salish Sea is home to many ecologically and economically important species as well as substantial urban populations, making it one of the most interesting and important locations to study regional microplastic sources and contamination. The field of marine microplastics is rapidly growing, doubling roughly every year; the Salish Sea has been involved in research since 2008, developed NOAA’s marine debris methods. This panel aims to highlight the wholistic approach of marine microplastic research and removal efforts in the Salish Sea through examining how types of samples (sediment, water, organism etc.), spatial-temporal scales, and methodologies, can be utilized and applied to community-driven questions. Here, we discuss the field from multiple perspectives, including academic, NGO, government, policy, BIPOC youth, and businesses from the US and Canada. We will delve into the intricacies of how regional microplastic research goes beyond tradition published and peer reviewed scientific papers, often including work done with community members, volunteer groups, students, and activists. We are committed to reducing marine plastic pollution and believe that working together through a combination of science, policy, and public awareness are necessary.
