Marine Plastic Debris Study
We have begun a Marine Plastics Debris Study in Santa Barbara County to determine what types of plastic beach trash is composed of. Water bottles? Food wrappers? If we know the sources of plastic trash, we have a better chance of stopping it before it gets to the ocean.
The project goal is to clean the beach while determining the quantity, composition, distribution, and potential sources of debris in order to better manage the reduction of marine debris on the coastline and in the ocean. We want to utilize the trash for data before taking it to the dump.
Data gathered will be used to persuade local governments to ban certain single use plastic items like store bags or take-out containers.
Locations
Come help clean the beach! click here to volunteer!
July 25th 2010, 3-7 pm: Rincon State Beach
August 29th 2010, 3-7 pm, : Ledbetter Beach
September 26th 2010, 3-7 pm: Campus Point
October 23rd 2010, 3-7 pm: El Capitan State Beach
•The sampling method will be as follows:
1.All Sampling will be performed by volunteers
2.Sampling will be done during low tide
3.Transects will be run from the high tide storm line to the low tide line for one mile total length
4.GPS co-ordinates will be taken of the sampling area, as well as any debris over 5 pounds in weight
5.Collected debris will be sorted according to type and weighed
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6.A form describing the type of debris, weight, and sampling location will be completed
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7.All recyclable material will be taken to the Santa Barbara County Recycling facility
We expect that this project will provide raw data for use by public and private organizations on the composition, distribution, and quantity of marine debris in the Santa Barbara Channel. An interactive map will also offer other organizations an opportunity to share their data, and it will provide a visual educational tool for use in schools.
The goal is to keep plastic out of the ocean, through action and legislation. We are also researching ways to utilize plastic “waste” as an energy source for electricity.
This project was funded by a grant from The Coastal CODE, a project of Alaskan Brewing Company. An after-clean-up-party will follow all events with beer from Alaskan Brewing Co!
Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments, or to volunteer
copyright 2010 Surfers Without Borders
site design by Loren Luyendyk and Aubrey Falk
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Surfers Without Borders is a Fiscally Sponsored Project of The Ocean Foundation
top: pet waste is worse in a plastic bag
right: two of the most common items
KEEP IT CLEAN 2010!
You can help reverse ocean pollution!