What we do on land has a massive impact at sea
It is in everyone’s interest to protect the natural environment and ensure that growth is sustainable, in other words, making sure that meeting the needs of the present does not compromise the needs of future generations.
Sustainable practice collectively can have a huge positive impact in a very short period of time. As well as our carbon emissions, we have to consider the impact of our anchors, antifoul and waste, creating plastic-free initiatives, with pressure on our suppliers.
Working alongside key partners like the Green Blue and RYA sustainability teams, and locally with Plastic Free North Devon, the Ocean Conservation Trust, Exeter University and the North Devon Biosphere Reserve to name but a few, we are sharing the workload to increase Ocean Literacy.
There is much to do and creative thinking is required. As a multi-disciplined organisation we are driven to inspire positive change, and provided we give nature the chance, it is incredibly adept at bouncing back.
Long Snouted Seahorse - Credit to Mark Parry, Ocean Conservation Trust
Microplastics
One of the most damaging influences to marine life is discarded plastic.
We know we have a massive ocean plastic issue and it is having a devastating impact on marine life. Every piece of plastic waste you see fluttering in a tree or at the side of the road, if it is not collected, it will find its way to a stream, then a river and then the ocean.
It can become so fragmented it ultimately becomes microplastic and enters the food chain. This includes our food chain. One of our founding project friends had her blood tested after 10 years at sea only to find trace elements of 29 of the 35 chemicals banned due to their toxicity in her bloodstream.
The issues are upstream.
Plastic Pollution
The science
How do we find plastic at sea?
How do we find plastic at sea?
How do we find plastic at sea?
As ambassadors for the 5Gyres institution, we follow their protocol for data collection and analysis of plastic pollution. Using our Manta Trawl we sieve the samples and document them into classes of waste and sizes. The analysis from each collection provides insight as to the source. From now until 2030 we are trawling zones in the Celtic Sea and Bristol Channel to find out what pollution travels on our daily tides, and whether it is improving or worsening.
Where are we looking?
How do we find plastic at sea?
How do we find plastic at sea?
An area of specific interest are the waters within the Biosphere reserve. The Bristol Channel has the second highest tidal range in the world, over ten metres in North Devon. This offers a unique insight along with specific challenges. We are looking for what directly impacts our local marine world, from the local towns to the big cities all along the North and South coasts of the Channel. Our aim is to understand the changes over the next ten years.
What happens to the data?
How do we find plastic at sea?
What happens to the data?
This data program is part of a global network of like-minded individuals who want to take action against plastic pollution. We share and collaborate on research, policies and solutions. With growing numbers of groups and organisations fighting the cause, there is now significant progress being made. Data collected locally can be applied locally, inspiring targeted discussions that lead to positive action on land and water.