News
Greenpeace and 5 Gyres find microplastics in every U.S. East and West Coast sample collected
Over the past year, Greenpeace collected microplastic data as part of 5 Gyres’ TrawlShare program while its ship the Arctic Sunrise travelled down the East and West Coasts. The TrawlShare program engages partners and community scientists globally to collect data on ocean plastics, which will contribute to an update of 5 Gyres’ 2014 global estimate. Utilizing a manta trawl net, the organization sampled 13 locations along the East Coast, 17 locations on the West Coast, and six locations on its Atlantic crossing from Amsterdam to New York City. Varying quantities of microplastics were found in every single sample collected, whether in the middle of the ocean or closer to shore.
Greenpeace travelled to the North Pacific Gyre, which has become known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, in late September to continue its microplastic data collection. The organization will document the quantity and types of microplastics present, work to identify the sectors or corporations responsible for the plastic pollution, and capture extensive photo and video footage of the gyre. Greenpeace is working to dispel the notion that we can simply clean up the plastics in the ocean, instead calling on corporations to reduce their single-use plastic footprints.
“We have found microplastics on the East Coast, the West Coast, and in the middle of the ocean,” said Greenpeace Plastics Campaigner Kate Melges. “We travelled to Antarctic waters, and found plastics there. Researchers have even found plastics in the deepest point of the ocean, the Mariana Trench. No matter how far we are from land, we are seeing the impact of corporations’ addiction to plastics. It’s time for businesses and governments to phase out single-use plastics for good.”
Between its East and West coast ship tours, Greenpeace also travelled to the Antarctic and conducted microplastic samples in the region using 5 Gyres’ trawling net. Microplastics and microfibers were even found in the remote Antarctic waters. Greenpeace was conducting scientific research, including landmark submarine dives to little-known Antarctic seabed ecosystems, as part of a campaign to create an Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary.
On the East Coast in late 2017, Greenpeace collected microplastics data along the Hudson River and New York Harbor in NY, at the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, VA and off the coast of Wilmington, NC and Miami, FL. On the West Coast in 2018, Greenpeace collected microplastics in the Pacific Ocean near Port Angeles, WA, Portland, OR, San Francisco, CA, Long Beach, CA, and San Diego, CA. The organization also conducted sampling further out to sea on its transits between the ports. Greenpeace found the highest concentrations of microplastics near Brooklyn on the East Coast and near Long Beach on the West Coast. Higher quantities of microplastics were found in samples collected closer to land.
“Our TrawlShare program was designed to grow our global microplastics dataset that is now focusing on areas closer to land,” said Carolynn Box, 5 Gyres Science Programs Director. “It was clear that we needed more data in bays and near shore environments to use as evidence to support policies limiting single-use plastics and requiring better product design. Greenpeace has collected an impressive number of microplastic samples that support the growing trend that microplastics are everywhere – a plastic smog in the world’s oceans.”
As part of its TrawlShare program, 5 Gyres provides trawls and protocols for community scientists to collect data on marine plastic pollution, raise awareness about this important issue, and contribute to a more robust global dataset. In 2014, 5 Gyres published the first global estimate on plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. The data from Greenpeace and other community scientists will be used to update the Global Estimate of Marine Plastic Pollution, planned for release in early 2019.
For more information please visit the Greenpeace website by clicking here.
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The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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