Marine Science and Conservation Public Forum

Marine Science and Conservation Public Forum – Doc Edgerton Room
Sessions featuring presentations on Marine Debris focusing on the problem and possible solutions.

9:30  Documenting Marine Debris at the Far Corners of the Planet
Michel Labrecque & Julie Ouimet
Plastic is making its way to our most remote and uninhabited marine ecosystems. Two of our recent expeditions have focused on gathering images of the extent of the problem that threatens animals and humans alike, while revealing how oceanic currents play an important role in transporting plastics around the globe. www.n2pix.com

10:15  MantaRay Microplastic Sampler
Ethan Edson, NEU
Anthropogenic microplastic debris is a growing threat to our oceans, yet studying the extent of this pollution requires expensive research vessels and tedious analytical lab work. Presented here is the development of a novel instrument, called MantaRay, which analyzes water bodies for microplastic debris and quantifies this data in real time. The
goal with MantaRay is to reduce the cost barrier associated with studying microplastics and to help better understand the global abundance and distribution of this growing pollutant. www.mantaraysampler.com

11:00  Recycling of Plastic Marine Debris
Robert Whitehouse, UMass Lowell Plastics Engineering
Hear about work with marine degradable plastics research and applications. www.uml.edu/Engineering/Plastics/

11:45  “Coastsweeps” Massachusetts Annual Coastal Cleanup Report
Robin Lacey, MA CZM
Salem Sound Coastwatch presentation on Massachusetts annual coastal cleanup and how you can get involved! www.mass.gov/coastsweep

 

 

Boston Sea Rovers
Boston Sea Rovers