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.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
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It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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