Make Your Vacation More Meaningful: Monitor Marine Debris
Is your family in summer vacation mode? Perhaps that includes heading to the shore, a lake, or a river. While there, look around and see if people are leaving their trash or if it is washing ashore. This is called marine debris, a form of pollution. Did you know that you can help scientists monitor this marine debris?
The Problem of Marine Debris
A growing, worldwide problem on our coastlines and waterways is marine debris. Some of the most common and harmful types include plastics, fishing gear, food wrappers, and construction debris. Not only is it unsightly, but it damages ecosystems and harms animals that depend on the water.
The Marine Debris Program
Scientists and conservationists are monitoring the situation so they can do something about it. At NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), scientists want us to join in their efforts through their Marine Debris Program. The program supports locally driven, community-based marine debris removal projects. These projects benefit coastal habitat, waterways and wildlife, including migratory fish. In addition, they track where marine trash pollution is occurring. This is done through the use of the Marine Debris Tracker App.
How to Get Started with the App
When you use the App, first, if you spot trash in any water environment (coastline, lake, stream, etc.), you record it on your phone. You can count plastic, fishing line, garbage, metal, etc. Then you record your location through GPS so that they know where the trash can be found. After that, you can add descriptions of trash items you see, attach photos if desired, and then submit your data. Your inputs are anonymous. Finally, go ahead and pick up the trash if it is possible!. Scientists take the data that has been submitted from all around the world and use it to make decisions on how best to address the problem of trash in our waterways.
You can start now. Just download the App for iOS or Android. So make your vacation count in a special way. Join the program!
Do community science projects with our help!
The Field Trip Academy helps youth and their families protect the environment and be good scientists in the process. Through our free guides, video tutorials, blog, and newsletter, we provide hands-on, minds-on learning experiences for all ages.
- First, check out our free quick start guides to the Globe at Night and Firefly Watch community science projects.
- Next, grab our list of “9 Hands-on Community Science Projects“.
