Blue Ocean Society’s programs create a balance between education and research, as they empower volunteers to gather data as they take part in beach cleanups. For the last eight years, Blue Ocean Society has been using these “citizen scientists” for a microplastics sampling program along local beaches. The goal is to understand the “root cause” of plastic pollution flows to beaches in the Northeast.
Over the last eight years, Blue Ocean Society has amassed a vast collection of data to be analyzed, published, and shared with its network, yet limited resources given its vast portfolio of projects. In 2021, Blue Ocean Society partnered with HCF to take the first steps in its data analysis. HCF is helping to secure funding for Blue Ocean Society’s data analysis and bringing on a dedicated statistician to analyze the data. The goal of the project is to create a peer-reviewed scientific study, and to use the findings to identify local waste streams in the area. With the power of their data behind them, this can help Blue Ocean Society to not only incorporate their own findings into their educational programs, but also to work with the generators of that waste to identify ways to stop the flow at its source.
While this is more of a “regional” approach, we believe that if this “pilot test” of engaging a local community focused organization works, it can then be used as a model for scaling. The long-term goal is to engage consumers in their communities by having conversations with top regional plastic polluters to collaboratively drive behavior change around plastics, and to protect sensitive beach habitats.
With funds from the HCF catalytic grant, Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation accomplished the following outcomes:
Conducted interviews around best practices for identifying sources of microplastics. They found that the current practice is to ID polymers and chemical bond characteristics. There is currently no way to identify the source of plastics.
Completed data entry, cleaning, and analysis of data collected by Citizen Scientists over the last 5 years. They found that most of the pollution was foam, having identified 20 different types of foam.
Visited harbors and marinas to see if they might be potential sources of pollution. These turned out to be unlikely sources of pollution, as they're all encapsulated in hard plastic. Residential docks may still be a source.
Gave presentations on findings at 5 conferences, 1 science cafe, and various informal meetings.
Created a marine debris exhibit in 2022 to educate the local public.
In 2023-2024, they have continued microplastic sampling and data analysis to better understand ocean pollution in the Gulf of Maine.
Created educational materials based on research findings to increase awareness and inspire community action.
Hosted workshops and outreach events, fostering community participation in marine conservation.
In 2024, they developed a Microplastics Sampling and Sorting Toolkit, enabling schools and community groups to analyze microplastics in their local environment and take action. HCF funding was instrumental in creating and testing this toolkit.
Through in-classroom and virtual educational programs, they are increasing awareness about marine debris, how trash travels, and ways people can reduce pollution in their communities.
In collaboration with NH Sea Grant, they launched an interactive dashboard to display microplastics data. The dashboard is currently being updated with findings from 2023 and 2024.
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