MARINE DEBRIS INITIATIVE
Support Our Work:
Our Microplastic and Marine Debris initiative was one of the first projects in British Columbia to scientifically monitor microplastic pollution in coastal sediments.
The Ucluelet Aquarium conducted monthly surveys that engage citizen scientists through data collection of microplastic pollution in sediment along local beaches.
Microplastics and Marine Debris have serious impacts on the marine environment. Marine species often will ingest or become entangled in plastic causing injury or death. Plastic has even become a vessel for invasive species altering the balance of some ecosystems. Plastic contains chemicals, as well as accumulates toxic contaminants leading to issues of bioaccumulation of toxins in food chains, with possible implications for human food safety and health.
Read our Final Report to learn more about our marine debris findings.
