Brian Barton
Monitoring ocean plastic pollution is essential to understanding the scale of the problem and finding solutions. While there are various methods to track plastic pollution, such as visual surveys, in-situ measurements, and satellite data, combining these tools with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping offers a comprehensive approach. GIS allows for the integration of diverse data sets, providing a holistic view of plastic pollution patterns and sources. This enables informed decision-making and effective policy implementation to address the plastic pollution crisis in our oceans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To monitor and prevent plastic pollution in oceans |
| Tools | GIS mapping, bottle tags, satellite data, UAVs, camera systems, optical data, artificial intelligence, in-situ observation, visual surveys, manta trawls, nets, economic research, policy studies, etc. |
| Organisations | MARPLASTICCs, NASA, Copernicus Marine Service, NOAA, University of Michigan, National Geographic, The Ocean Cleanup |
| Achievements | Prevented over 200 tons of plastic pollution from entering the ocean in Eastern and Southern Africa and Southeast Asia, identified plastic pollution hotspots, raised awareness about the negative effects of plastic pollution, improved plastic pollution problem in 5 countries, developed innovative ways to detect ocean debris, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Using satellite data and machine learning
Monitoring ocean plastic pollution is a challenging task due to the vast size of the ocean and the variety of plastics that exist, in terms of colour, size and chemical composition. However, satellites collecting optical data can provide a unique perspective for observing plastic litter in the marine environment.
Satellite data and machine learning have been used to detect plastic in the ocean and map microplastic concentrations across it. Satellites collect data on light signals, and materials can be distinguished by the wavelengths of light they reflect. For example, while clear water absorbs light in the near-infrared (NIR) to shortwave infrared (SWIR) light range, floating materials like plastic reflect NIR instead. These differences in light absorption allow satellites to detect floating objects from space.
Researchers at the University of Michigan used data from NASA's Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission to map the daily concentration of microplastics across the ocean. The maps show microplastic concentrations on July 29, 2017, and April 8, 2018, with red areas indicating high concentrations. This method, in combination with plastic concentration data from literature, was the first to map ocean microplastics over such a large area and at a high temporal resolution, revealing seasonal variations in microplastic concentrations.
Another method developed by Dr. Lauren Biermann uses optical data provided by Sentinel-2 satellites to detect floating aggregations on sub-pixel scales. These aggregations were found to be composed of seaweed, sea foam, and macroplastics. The spectral shape, including reflectance properties, was then used to identify and distinguish macroplastics from other materials.
In addition to satellite data, The Ocean Cleanup is also pioneering the application of UAVs and camera systems for the detection and mapping of plastic litter.
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In situ observation and measurement
One method of in situ observation is the use of a manta trawl, a net system resembling a manta ray with metal wings and a broad mouth. The net is towed behind a scientific research vessel and collects samples from the ocean surface, such as plastic pieces and plankton. However, the mesh size of such nets (0.3 mm) limits the size of the debris that can be collected.
Another method is the Ocean Plastic Incubator Chamber (OPIC), which can be deployed at different ocean depths and in remote environments. OPIC allows for the study of polymers with different sizes, shapes, and ages, including textile fabric, and provides insights into the dynamics regulating plastic transformations and fate in the ocean.
Visual surveys can also be conducted for large plastic items. Expeditions on vessels are carried out with observers viewing the ocean surface and noting large debris items. These observations are later compared with oceanic models.
In situ measurements and observations are crucial for understanding the extent and impact of plastic pollution in the ocean, as they provide ground truth data to validate other measurement techniques such as satellite monitoring.
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GIS mapping and data collection
One notable example of successful GIS application is the MARPLASTICCs project by IUCN Marine Plastics and Coastal Communities. This initiative has prevented over 200 tons of plastic pollution from reaching the oceans in Eastern and Southern Africa and Southeast Asia. The project employs a range of tools, including policy studies, circular economy models, and economic guidance, to tackle plastic pollution at its source and promote sustainable practices.
GIS mapping plays a crucial role in identifying plastic pollution hotspots and tracking the movement of plastic debris. By combining GIS with other technologies, such as satellite data and machine learning, researchers can monitor the concentration of microplastics across the ocean. This helps in understanding the distribution and accumulation of plastic pollution, which is essential for designing effective cleanup operations and policies.
Data collection methods for GIS mapping can vary. Visual surveys, for instance, involve observers on vessels identifying large plastic debris on the ocean surface. More advanced techniques include the use of satellite systems, UAVs, and camera systems. In situ measurements, such as the manta trawl method, collect plastic samples from the ocean surface for analysis. Additionally, innovative approaches like bottle tags help track plastic pollution from its source to the ocean.
The integration of GIS mapping and data collection is a valuable tool in addressing ocean plastic pollution. By utilizing GIS, researchers, policymakers, and communities can work together to identify problem areas, implement effective solutions, and promote ocean conservation on a global scale.
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AI object detection software
The use of AI object detection software is a promising tool for monitoring ocean plastic pollution. AI and machine learning algorithms can be applied to satellite and drone imagery to detect and map plastic waste in the ocean, providing valuable data for cleanup operations and policy assessment.
One of the key challenges in mapping ocean plastic pollution is the low occurrence rate of larger plastic items, known as macroplastics, compared to the abundance of microplastics. Floating macroplastics, which are larger plastic items over 50 cm in size, are more easily detected by satellites and drones. However, they are less frequent in the ocean than microplastics, which are smaller plastic particles that can be challenging to identify individually.
To train AI object detection software, vast amounts of input images are required. These images are labeled and used to train an artificial neural network, which learns to detect objects based on the provided examples. The Ocean Cleanup labeled approximately 4,000 example objects in photos from previous missions to train their AI model.
In addition to satellite and drone imagery, AI object detection software can also be combined with automated time-lapse image series along GPS-tagged transects. This approach creates a remote sensing method to detect and map the dynamic behavior of floating ocean plastic more efficiently.
Overall, AI object detection software is a powerful tool for monitoring ocean plastic pollution. By analyzing large sets of images and creating detailed maps of plastic densities, this technology enables more effective cleanup operations and informed policy decisions to address the global issue of ocean plastic pollution.
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Policy changes and economic approaches
Policy Changes
- Upstream Policy Interventions: Policies that address plastic pollution at its source are essential. This includes implementing regulations to reduce the use of unnecessary single-use plastic items, such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles. Bans or taxes on these items have been successfully enacted in many places globally.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Supporting policies that extend producer responsibility beyond waste management is vital. EPR encourages manufacturers to design products with full lifecycle approaches, promoting a more circular economy. This includes reusing, refilling, and recycling initiatives.
- National and Global Legislation: Enhancing national legislation to address plastic pollution, reporting, and compliance is crucial. This involves strict rules and regulations to reduce plastic production, phase out harmful subsidies, and eliminate harmful products and chemicals. Additionally, a global plastics treaty is essential to address the transboundary nature of plastic pollution, as evident in the United Nations' efforts.
- Waste Management Planning: Improving waste management planning and increasing circularity are key aspects of policy interventions. This includes better waste collection systems and promoting recycling initiatives to keep plastics out of the ocean.
- Public Pressure and Political Change: Environmental changes within the law are often driven by public pressure. Endorsing petitions, supporting campaigns, and engaging in community clean-up events can lead to political change and the implementation of policies to combat ocean plastic pollution.
Economic Approaches
- Cost of Marine Plastics: Understanding the negative economic impacts of plastic pollution on sectors such as tourism, fisheries, shipping, and human health is essential. For example, the potential cost of marine plastics to Mozambican national marine fisheries was estimated at MZN 50,000,000-846,745,000 (USD 780,000-13,000,000) per year.
- Deposit-Refund Schemes: Implementing economic incentives, such as deposit-refund schemes, can reduce plastic pollution. For instance, Cape Town's scheme avoided losses for the tourism sector, demonstrating the economic benefits of such approaches.
- Circular Economy Projects: Investing in circular economy projects can help reduce plastic pollution. The MARPLASTICCs project in Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam successfully prevented over 200 tons of plastic from entering the ocean through circular economy initiatives.
- Funding and Investment: Funding mechanisms are crucial to support capacity building, technological assistance, education, and the development of infrastructure along the full lifecycle of plastics. This includes public and private investment in recycling technologies and waste management systems.
By combining policy changes and economic approaches, informed by GIS monitoring data, significant progress can be made in the fight against ocean plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
GIS stands for Geographic Information System, which is a tool that combines data with maps to help understand and communicate spatial information to address complex problems.
GIS mapping skills allow researchers to collate all the research knowledge and put it in one place to provide an informed view of the system. For example, the MARPLASTICCs project used GIS to prevent over 200 tons of plastic pollution from entering the ocean in Eastern and Southern Africa and Southeast Asia.
There are several methods to detect ocean plastic pollution, including visual surveys, in-situ observation, satellite data, and artificial intelligence. Visual surveys are done for large plastic items, while in-situ observation involves collecting on-site plastic samples or measurements at various locations. Satellite data is used to map microplastic concentrations across the ocean, and artificial intelligence is used to detect and map the dynamic behavior of floating ocean plastic.
One challenge in monitoring ocean plastic pollution is that most plastic in weight is concentrated in larger, microplastic objects, which do not occur as frequently as microplastic pieces. Additionally, individual pieces of plastic are very difficult to detect by satellite, and only a tiny fraction of the total amount of plastics in the ocean floats on the surface.
