As part of commitment to pursuing real change, we were proud to auspice Lisa Blair on her successful solo circumnavigation of Antarctica. We felt so strongly about this that we also funded the a proof of concept trial of a citizen science, based microplastic research conducted on her yacht in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science conducted at the start of her trip, along Sydney's coastline.
Although only initial research with eight samples were analysed it found: "Polyethylene and polyester fibres were the most prevalent polymer types detected and the highest numbers were recorded adjacent to urban outfalls."
The report's authors state : "..... there is a need to establish a baseline on microplastic contamination in NSW waterways, estuaries, coastal and offshore locales to address microplastic exposure, bioavailability and better assess risks."