Keys Marine Lab Science Seminar Dec 7th

 

“What’s the big deal about microplastics?”

by Sarah Egner 

Key Largo Marine Resources Development Foundation

Dec 7th Wed. 6:00-7:00pmKeys Marine Lab Classroom - mile marker 68.5

While the huge amounts of plastic in our waters is utterly apparent on just about any boat ride, what is even more concerning is that much of the marine debris is invisible to the naked eye.  Microplastics come from a variety of sources, most of which are commonly found in every day households and end up going down the drain.  Marine animals from plankton to corals to baleen whales have been documented ingesting the foreign material.  The types, sources and impacts of microplastics will be discussed.  Solutions that any Keys citizen can do will be proposed including participation in a statewide citizen science project.  

You are welcome welcome to bring a 1 L water sample for microplastic analysis after the seminar.

~Future Topics ~

Jan 4: Ken Nedimyer – Coral Restoration Foundation

Feb 1: NASA NEEMO Mission at FIU Aquarius underwater habitat

March 1: Dave Vaughn - Mote Marine Lab

April 5: Maria Cooksey (FWC/FWRI) FKNMS boater distribution