Ucluelet Aquarium's Microplastic & Marine Debris Initiative

THE UCLUELET AQUARIUM'S MICROPLASTIC AND MARINE DEBRIS INITIATIVE WHAT WE ARE DOING THE PROCESS: Our communities are intrinsically tied to the local At the sample location, we collect the marine environment for food security, the economy, first 2 cm of sand from a 1 m x 1 m and cultural activities. Microplastics (fragments, nurdles quadrat at ten random points on a and filaments smaller than 5mm) pose threats to the 100 m transect along the last high economy and the health of humans and marine life. tide line. Over 180 species are known to ingest plastic, which Photo: Jessica Lansfield has indirect impacts to human health through the food chain. This study is one of the first to scientifically monitor microplastic pollution in British Columbia beach sediment. By collecting data with the help of citizen scientists, we are learning about the distribution, In this study we define microplastics frequency and type of microplastic pollution affecting as plastic fragments measuring 5mm our coast. The results from this study are used to and under in size. To collect these engage the public, and inspire change to reduce plastic Photo: Britt Buirs pieces we filter sand through a 5 mm consumption. Working together with visitors and metal sieve then a metal 1 mm sieve. community members we are raising awareness to protect the coastal ecosystem we are connected to. After sieving the sand, we gather the microplastics left behind. This sample MAJOR STUDY GOALS is brought back to Aquarium for data entry and further analysis. To collect valuable data to understand the Photo: Jessica Lansfield type, distribution and frequency of microplastics on our coast with the help of citizen scientists. To share our results with other marine debris and plastic pollution initiatives, the public, and government leaders to influence change and mitigate plastic pollution. To encourage our local community members and visitors to limit single-use plastic items and find plastic alternatives by providing them with educational materials and resources WHAT WE ARE FINDING Our study sites are located in Ucluelet, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and Tofino, BC (see map above). We have found microplastics in EVERY sample, at EVERY study site (Figure 1). As we collect more data we are finding potential patterns in our results (Figure 2). This research will help broaden our awareness of human impacts on the environment and hopefully encourage the development of strategies to protect the ocean we depend on. Figure 1. Microplastic sediment sampling results by location (SF- South Florencia, CB- Cox Beach,WK- Wikaninnish Beach, LB- Long Beach, CO- Combers Beach), date and type. FUTURE GOALS: Continue collecting data on a long term basis with the help of Ucluelet Aquarium marine biologists and citizen scientists. Inspire more organizations in B.C. to take on their own microplastic sampling and contribute to our growing data set. Educate the public so they can be better informed on making Figure 2. Comparison of microplastic type, from sediment samples at South Florencia Beach (SF) in August 2017, December 2017 and May 2018. decisions that will benefit and protect the environment. To sponsor a sample or join as a citizen scientist, 180 Main Street, Ucluelet B.C. contact: [email protected] 1-250-726-2782.

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