Sea Turtle Necropsies down at WHOI

Hayley Pollard collecting data. 

This past Saturday,  January 12^th, marked the first day of sea turtle necropsies that will be conducted throughout the spring down at the Necropsy Facility that is part of the Marine Mammal Center, WHOI. The carcasses that were examine had been collected from Cape Cod beaches this fall and early winter. During each necropsy, a variety of research activities is conducted in order to learn more about the cold-stunned sea turtles that had become trapped inside Cape Cod Bay this fall but were not able to navigate their way out. 

Volunteers from many different government and non-government organizations in New England helped to gather data, tissue samples and other information on the 3 species of endangered sea turtles that were examined. The 3 species included the Atlantic Kemp's ridley sea turtle, the green turtle and the loggerhead sea turtle. Each spring, this work is lead by Bob Prescott, Director of Mass Audubon at Wellfleet Bay, in collaboration with NECWA and researchers from other local government and non-government organizations. 

Teams of 3 people examine and collect data on each sea turtle carcass they necropsy. A necropsy is the term used to describe an autopsy that is conducted on an animal. The different organizations participating in these events are often conducting various research activities in the hopes of learning more about these beautiful and amazing animals. 

Necropsy Facility at WHOI

Information gathered includes the turtles overall health which can be determined by the amount of body fat observed close to the heart, stomach and around the inner edges of the shell. Internal examinations also allow researchers to determine the sex of the turtle by finding the gonads. Unfortunately, there still is no tried and true way of sexing juvenile sea turtle just by looking at their external morphology. However, external features of the animal are still gathered to see if a body feature, like length of the animal's tail, might give a clue to the animal's gender. Blood is also being collected and analyzed to see if a simple DNA test can be used to tell the girls from the boys.

NECWA is leading a multi-year study on the internal parasites found in the carcasses that are examined every week. This study is in collaboration with Mass Audubon as well as Apryle Panyi, a PhD student at the University of Southern Mississippi. Other research activities include the collection of muscle and liver tissue for isotope studies that examine varying chemical elements to provide clues about their overall health and diet. 

At the end of each necropsy, the team collects, bag and labels both hind flippers which will be used to train new NOAA Observers who may have to tag a live sea turtle if one is caught in fishing gear offshore.  

Loggerhead Sea Turtle Carcass

Over the course of the day, researchers were able to necropsy close to 35 turtles and they will be returning next week to continue this work. Although it breaks our heart to have to necropsy sea turtles that did not survive, the research conducted will hopefully help us better understand and protect those sea turtles that made it out of Cape Cod Bay and headed south to warmer waters for the winter. 

Written by Krill Carson and Criminal Justice Intern Hayley Pollard

The Straw Revolution

Want to know a great thing about human beings?

I believe it is fair to say, that most people who see another person or animal suffering feel inclined not only to sympathy, but also to action. There was a video recently which went viral because it tugged at the heartstrings. This video was of a sea turtle with a foreign object lodged in its nose. This object turned out to be a 4 inch plastic straw. A team of scientists found this sea turtle while doing research in the field and removed the plastic from the animal’s nose. Plastic, although sometimes useful, can be detrimental to marine wildlife, and the environment as a whole.

Photo taken from National Geographic

Plastic, although a seemingly affordable resource in manufacturing, has many long-term and detrimental consequences. Plastic does not ever fully go away. Even when being made smaller through bio or photo-degradation, there are many factors that affect and inhibit upon these natural and chemical processes. As the disintegration of degradable plastic occurs, what’s left: micro plastics and nurdles, still pose a threat to wildlife. 

Plastic releases toxins and carcinogens into the environment, and is often times mistaken as food for hungry sea turtles, whales, sharks, birds etc. This is not ideal because not only can they choke on this material, but when they consume plastic, their bodies do not obtain the nutrients necessary for survival. 

I have begun to do something, and I encourage you all to join me! Choose an alternative to plastic straws. There are so many options! Here’s what I came up with:

Bambooorganics. Natural Bamboo Straws.

Bamboo Straws: These last a while, however, they do disintegrate after many uses. They can be hand washed. The benefit of bamboo is that the it grows very quickly and plentifully and can thus keep up with high demand.

Glass Straws: A great, long lasting alternative to plastic.  Glass in and of itself is relatively fragile, it CAN break. However, in my experience, several of the ones that I’ve used have been thicker than expected and sturdy. These straws are not designed to bend so in travel,  it will need to be carried in a way that takes its length into consideration.  

Metal Straws from Fin Pins

Metal Straws: They can come collapsible, making them mobile and convenient. Silicone tips can also be purchased with the metal straw to minimize chipping tooth discomfort when drinking. Again, these straws typically come with a brush for cleaning purposes. And many provide a bag for convenience when traveling. The metal straws we purchased were from Fin Pins and meaningfully say "Protect our Oceans."

Paper Straws: These are a great one time use alternative. They are perfect for parties or functions, and will not damage teeth for all my straw chewers out there. The downfall of the paper straw however, is that they disintegrate, sometimes, before the drink has been consumed.

Finally,

Stainless Steel Straws

Stainless Steel Straws: Stainless steel is a metal, and therefore a conductor of heat. This makes the possibility of burning oneself when using this type of straw to drink a hot drink a possibility. Stainless steel also has temperature absorption qualities so if the drink is cold, the straw may be cold, if the drink is hot, the straw will be as well. It is important to keep this in mind. With this being said, this straw is another one of my personal preferences.

The benefit of being alive in this time of history is that we each have access to knowledge and a way to network with others for any cause that matters to us. Here at NECWA, it is our marine wildlife that we focus on and work hard to protect. We need them, and they need us. And I need you!

Jasmine trying out a glass straw.

I have provided links to small and local businesses who can not only supply these products, but also have a mission of charity. Let’s support each other!

NO action is too small.

-Jasmine Figueroa

New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance

Intern/ Volunteer

“With Knowledge come empathy, with empathy comes change, and with change comes peace; For all beings alive and conscious in their own way”

Non-Profit/Small Business

www.finpinshop.com/

IG: @finpinshop

www.simplystraws.com

IG: @simplystraws
NECWA.org

References:

Degradable Plastics

National Geographic

NECWA

Team Mola

Researcher Aimee Carlson presenting on recent ocean sunfish tagging activities.

What does it mean to be a member of Team Mola? On a small scale, it means working with friends and neighbors on a community-based project focused on the heaviest bony fish in the world - the Ocean Sunfish. The mission of this team is to better understand and protect Ocean Sunfish, or Mola mola, that live and feed off the shores of New England. 

Fisheries Biologist Aimee Carlson

On Saturday, September 20th, the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) in collaboration with Coonamessett Farm Foundation and Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary hosted their first Team Mola training session at the Mass Audubon sanctuary in Wellfleet, MA. The goal of Team Mola is to build a network of volunteers that can assist NECWA with rescues and necropsies of ocean sunfish strandings. These strandings are annual event that occur each fall and early winter, typically along the shores of Cape Cod. 

Marine artifact materials on display

Team Mola members work together to gather as much information about Ocean Sunfish as possible. Working with NECWA staff and interns, Team Mola members assist with rescues of live ocean sunfish as well as necropsies (animal autopsies) of carcasses that wash ashore. The efforts of Team Mola help NECWA more efficiently, safely and effectively respond to ocean sunfish strandings. Team Mola members also provide additional coverage with more recent projects, such as NECWA's tagging and tracking activities. Fisheries biologist Aimee Carlson from Coonamessett Farm Foundation in Falmouth provided an update on her teams recent tagging efforts using both satellite tags and mark & recapture tags. 

Powerpoint Presentations

Since 2005, NECWA has sponsored a community-sighting network called the New England Basking Shark and Ocean Sunfish Project at www.nebshark.org. This network asks the general public to report their sightings of live and dead basking sharks and ocean sunfish the they see from a boat or from the beach. What NECWA was not expecting were the annual calls each fall and early winter concerning stranded ocean sunfish. Now NECWA is prepared and is working hard to address this issue.

Team Mola field kits to support the work these volunteers are doing.

When reporting a sighting, make sure to record the date, time and position of the animal and take lots of pictures. This information is important for it builds on what we know about these coastal pelagic giants who are some of the most unusual looking fish in New England. There are many good and free app for cell phones that provide a latitude and longitude. Take a screenshot of that screen and you will have both the time and the location of whatever you are trying to document. 

Hal Levine teaching participants how to weigh an ocean sunfish

Team Mola is also about connecting the New England community with the unique marine animals that live in our coastal backyard. It provides unity and collaboration by asking the community to come together to help an animal in need.

Showing correct measuring techniques on a cardboard ocean sunfish.

If you would like to learn more about Team Mola, contact NECWA at contact@necwa.org. Anyone can get involved so give us a shout and let's see how we can include you in this exciting and innovative group. 

To learn more about NECWA and its goals, visit our website at www.necwa.org. 

Showing how to collect measurements using a cardboard ocean sunfish

If you would like to learn more about the amazing Ocean Sunfish, check out these websites:

·    National Geographic - Ocean Sunfish 

·     Wikipedia - The Ocean Sunfish 

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·     Nature - Ocean Sunfish 

Blog posting written by Krill Carson and Haley Pollard (NECWA Intern)

Ocean Exploration Cruise - 7 am to 1 pm Sunday, September 30, 2018

Ocean Exploration Cruise - NECWA Fall Fundraiser

Sunday, September 30, 2018

7 am to 1 pm

Privateer IV, 7 Seas Whale Watch

Marine Forecast Links:

• National Weather Service Stellwagen Bank - click HERE

• Offshore Buoy Data - Boston - click HERE

UPDATE - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH - for those who have registered for this trip.

• NECWA News Blog Updates. Check the NECWA News blog for any changes or updates to our trip.  Right now, seas are looking a bit rough offshore so take your motion sickness pills in advance. Eat a light breakfast and stay away from greasy foods. We will have Saltines and Ginger Ale onboard if you need it. 
• Guest Naturalists for tomorrow. We are very excited about this Ocean Exploration Cruise as we will have amazing guest naturalists onboard the boat and on the microphone. Guest naturalists will include Wayne Petersen, Jim Sweeney, Thomas Robben and Adrian Jordaan. 
• Captain Jay onboard. Tomorrow our captain will be Capt. Jay Frontierro who is an amazing naturalist/biologist, captain and birder. So we are in good hands and will relay on his advice as to where the best places will be to head offshore to view whales and seabirds and other marine wildlife. 
• NECWA naturalists onboard and on the microphone will include Krill Carson, Courtney Callahan, Tammy Silva, Leah Horeanopoulos and Dani Marston. We will also have a number of NECWA interns onboard so make sure to chat with them about the work that they did this summer or are currently involved with.  
• Dress for the weather. Best to dress in layers and expect it to be 10 - to 15 degrees cooler offshore than on land. Your are welcome to bring anything you would like onboard, but please keep your gear to a minimum so there will be plenty of room for everyone inside the cabin. 
• Bring food and don't  forget about the galley. You can bring food and drinks onboard, but no alcohol. You can purchase food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments from the galley so bring extra cash. 
• Check in time is 6:30 am - 7:00 am. Be down at the 7 Seas dock by 6:30 am ready to  board. We hope to start boarding by 6:30 am tomorrow morning. We will leave the dock at 7 am sharp so please don't be late. If you need to contact me, use my cell at 508-369-8303. 

• Free Nature Raffle. As we move through the harbor on our way offshore, we will conduct our Free Nature Raffle. If you would like to donate a new or gently used item to the raffle table, please provide to Leah once you get onboard. She will be leading the raffle event and will have a table set-up in the back of the cabin with all the free nature-themed items. Thank you in advance!

• Plankton Tow, Chumming for Seabirds and Underwater Camera Activities. If it makes sense given the conditions offshore, we will conduct a plankton tow (with onboard observation) and Tom Robben is bringing some underwater cameras. We will also chum for seabirds if aggregations of seabirds are offshore. 

• NECWA Merchandise. NECWA will bring a limited number of sweatshirts, t-shirts, canvas bags, and windbreakers onboard for sale. Please bring cash if you would like to purchase something. If you see something in our online shop and would like me to bring it for you tomorrow (to save shipping costs), just let me know. 

TO CONTACT NECWA:

Krill Carson

508-369-8303

krillcarson@mac.com

Why Does Plastic Matter to Whales, Turtles, Fish and Humans?

Marine debris is causing high levels of contamination in our world’s oceans. Its presence in the once pristine waters that are home to all aquatic species accounts for a high number of marine wildlife deaths on a global scale. Plastic is the primary environmental pollutant in our waters and it makes up approximately 80% of all of the debris that is creating the critical habitat crisis of Marine Debris.

We have an infinite variety of uses for plastics in our society, everything from children’s toys and necessary medical equipment that keeps people alive and healthy, to plastic drinking straws and fleece jackets. Until technology catches up with our need to find alternatives to our current uses of plastics, we are essentially in a position to find plastics present in our lives somewhere even if our goal is to live a “zero plastic” lifestyle.

A major issue with all of the currently indispensable plastic items in our lives is that plastic is a petroleum-based material and, once manufactured into a useable state, it never really goes away. It can be recycled and reused, but currently less than 10% of all plastics discarded by humans actually enters the recycling stream. Recycling is not necessarily the answer to our problems either. Plastic degrades to a greater degree after it is recycled each time and cannot infinitely be recycled. This means that your plastic water bottle or coffee mug that proudly declares on the product tag at the time of purchase that it is made entirely of recycled plastic will continue to contaminate our environment over time when it breaks and you decide to recycle it later on.

Almost everyone has heard about the great plastic island in the Pacific Ocean. It has been well publicized and efforts are underway to find solutions to the ever-expanding debris island that makes up this extreme marine pollution situation. This is only one of the garbage patches present in our oceans. There are actually five established areas of ocean debris that have reached epic proportions. You might ask why this floating debris is so dangerous. Yes, it is ugly -but it is also dangerous. The answer to that question is that plastic is insidious, it does not biodegrade and return harmlessly to the environment. This petroleum product does however degrade into micro-particles that remain in the water indefinitely critically changing the environment long-term.

In looking at a trash island from the ocean’s surface you can see larger pieces of debris on the top layers of the water and those larger pieces do get caught in the bodies of marine mammals and fish. However, over time the larger plastic trash items break down to microscopic levels and creates a sludge that goes much deeper into the oceans depths than the floating debris on top. This sludge does allow plankton to coexist with the plastics under certain conditions and zooplankton swim with Nano particles of plastic. Unsuspecting filter feeders will consume the plankton-laden sludge and the toxic substance will remain in their systems, not to be secreted in all cases. If the sludge is extreme it will totally deplete oxygen and cause dead zones underneath the floating trash that are visible on surface layers. Entanglements of discarded fishing and boating gear also create problems for marine wildlife, often exacting a death sentence on any animal or fish unfortunate enough to be caught in the gear.

Eventually contaminated fish and other marine species will be caught and consumed by humans. One of the dangerous substances present in plastics are BPA (Bisphenol A -such as in foam coffee cups) which acts as an endocrine disruptor and has been traced to Diabetes and learning disabilities. It can cause ADD and ADHD and is a factor in both feminizing males and masculinizing females as well as other health issues. It is common for people walking along the beach or fishing by the water to bring a foam cup of take-out coffee and, when done with their drink, discard it on the sand and directly into the water. The progression from the point of discarding this toxic BPA laden substance into the coastal environment could be that the same person carelessly discarding their foam cup may then consume seafood either by cooking their fishing catch when they get home, or by going to a seafood restaurant after their invigorating day by the water order a fish dinner. The fish on their plate may very well be contaminated with BPA from previous foam cups, plates, and other materials tossed into the ocean either from land or sea and which has already deteriorated into the micro-particle sludge in the lower layers of the water.

What can we do to reverse this situation? A lot, but time is running out. Her is a quick list of 5 items that we can put into action today:

• Carry in-carry out for ALL of your trash, whether on land or at sea.
• Refuse to buy plastics whenever possible.
• Refuse foam take-out cups and plastic coffee cup lids.
• At restaurants say “no” to plastic straws and foam to-go containers.
• Go to clean-ups whenever you can and create your own mini-clean-ups whenever you are at the water yourself.

We can make a difference for our most precious resource, the world’s oceans and the marine wildlife that inhabit that environment. You may think of yourself as only one person with one voice, but one is more than none and together each one of our voices along with our positive actions will create change!

Cheers from a bottom-feeder!

Ann

For further information regarding ocean plastics and the garbage patches try these site:

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/5-ocean-garbage-patches-plastic-pollution/

http://oceancrusaders.org/plastic-crusades/plastic-statistics/

http://plastic-pollution.org/

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/

Bio: Ann Le Blanc is a long-time member of NECWA. She is a Cape Cod resident, lives near Cape Cod Bay and currently and works in that area as a Park Ranger at the Cape Cod Canal. Her educational background includes Environmental Technology, Education, and Sociology.

Ocean Exploration Cruise - June 3, 2018 from 7 am to 1 pm is a GO!

Ocean Exploration Cruise
Sunday, June 3, 2018
7 am to 1 pm
Onboard the Privateer IV with 7 Seas Whale Watch
7 Rogers Street, Gloucester
======================================================================

Date of this Posting: Saturday, June 2, 2018

Status of Trip on June 3: A GO!

Hi: I was just offshore today and winds were calmer than predicted with almost no seas offshore. Our trip tomorrow at 7 am continues to be a go. I assume winds will increase over the course of the night and early morning, so we expect to sneak this trip in before it gets nasty offshore. The marine forecast for Monday through Thursday is not good so this may be the last trip offshore for a few days. 

Please be down at the 7 Seas Whale Watch dock at 6:30 am and we will board as soon as we can. Bring food, drinks, and dress appropriately. Keep your belongings to a minimum so everyone will have space. NECWA will bring some merchandise onboard to help raise funds for our projects and activities, so bring cash if you want to continue to support our work. We will also have our free nature raffle onboard with Michael O'Neil at the mic, so be prepared!

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning. Here we go!

Best, Krill (508-369-8303)

======================================================================

Date of this Posting: Thursday, May 31, 2018

Status of Trip on June 3: A GO!

Hi: We are a go for our rescheduled trip on Sunday, June 3 from 7 am to 1 pm. Please be down at the 7 Seas Whale Watch dock, car parked and ready to board by 6:30 am. We leave right at 7 am so please don't be late.

If you haven't had a chance to complete the liability waiver and send it back to Thomas Robben, please do so before Sunday. If necessary, bring the completed form with you and hand it to Thomas when boarding. 

Dress for the weather and be prepared for rough seas offshore. You can keep track of the marine forecast by clicking HERE.

Keep your belongings to a minimum to make room for all and feel free to bring food and drinks with you, but please no alcohol. 7 Seas Whale Watch has a galley and they accept only cash. 

If you would like to donate a new or gently used nature item to our free onboard raffle, please give to me as you board. 
Looking forward to an adventure on Sunday. 

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. My cell is 508-369-8303 and my email is krillcarson@mac.com. 

Best, Krill 

================================================

Date of this Posting: Saturday, May 19th, 2018

Trip Rescheduled: Sunday, June 3, 2018 from 7 am to 1 pm

We have rescheduled our Ocean Exploration Cruise from Saturday, May 19th to Sunday, June 3rd. 

If you are registered for tomorrow's (canceled) trip and would like to attend our June 3rd trip, we ask that you contact Krill at krillcarson@mac.com to let her know. No additional payment is required and NECWA will reimburse you $10 to compensate for the reduced time offshore. Those reimbursements will be made on the day of sailing. 

If you registered for tomorrow's (canceled) trip and cannot attend the June 3rd trip, then please contact Krill to let her know that you would like a refund. Once Krill hears from you, she will go to PayPal and refund your ticket online. 

If you would like a refund and you paid with a check, please email Krill and provide your full name and the complete mailing address for the reimbursement. 

If you would like to register for this new date of June, 3, go to our Constant Contact Event Site by clicking HERE.

For all refunds, you will be refunded the complete cost of your ticket, minus a $10 administration/registration fee. This helps to cover NECWA's expenses related to advertising and needed supplies. 

Please contact Krill if you have any questions or concerns. And please spread the word about this new trip for space is still available. 

Keep your fingers crossed for good weather and fair seas on Sunday, June 3rd. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Date of this Posting: Friday, May 18th, 2018

Status of Trip: CANCELLED

With our Spring Ocean Exploration Cruise on the horizon for this weekend and rain and wind in the forecast, interns and staff here at NECWA as well as staff of 7 Seas Whale Watch have been monitoring reports with hopes of positive changes. Unfortunately, with passenger comfort and safety in mind, we will be cancelling tomorrow’s cruise, May 19^th, because of high winds, low visibility, and rain. With heavy hearts, we thank you for your support and sincerely apologize. 

For registered guests who have paid, you will receive a refund of $80 tomorrow; your $90 ticket minus the $10 administration fee (students will receive $55 after the administration fee). If you paid via Paypal, you will receive your reimbursement through there, and if you paid by check, one will be mailed back out to you. Please allow 5-10 business days for this to post your account or to receive your refund check. 

Please contact Krill at krillcarson@necwa.org with any questions or concerns. 

Date of this Posting: Thursday, May 17, 2018

Status of Trip: The weather for Saturday is still not looking great. We are holding off from making any final decisions until Friday early afternoon around 1 pm. If the weather continues to look iffy, we have 2 choices. 

1- Cancel the trip completely and folks will get reimbursed the majority of their ticket. 

2- Switch the trip to Sunday, May 20th but the trip will only run from 8 am to 1 pm. This reduced time offshore is due to the fact that 7 Seas has a scheduled afternoon trip that day. Participants will get some money back given the shorter trip.  

3- Wanted to get this out to folks as soon as I could. Feel free to email me or call me if you have any questions or concerns. 

Again, a final decision will be made tomorrow, Friday, by around 1 pm once we get a look at the marine forecast that comes out at that time. 

Wish I could control the weather :  )  Sorry for any issues this may cause folks. 

Best, Krill
508-369-8303
krillcarson@mac.com

Date of this posting: Wednesday, May 16

Status of Trip: The trip on Saturday is a GO! Weather is not looking great, but that can change all the way up to the time of the trip.

Keep an eye on this blog for updated information on the trip. There might be rain on Saturday so dress accordingly. 

Here is additional information that I recently provided in an email sent to all participants. 

Departure: Please be down at the 7 Seas Whale Watch dock by 7:30 am ready to board the boat. We leave at 8 am sharp so make sure to get to Gloucester with plenty of time to park, grab your gear, and board the boat.  Parking: We pay for parking in the large gravel lot to the north of the 7 Seas ticket booth. The kiosk at the front of the lot accepts cash and credit cards.  Onboard Galley: For food, there is a full galley onboard the boat and they prefer folks bring cash to pay for food and drinks. You are more than welcome to bring your own food and drinks, but space is limited so please keep your gear to a minimum. No alcohol.  Liability Waiver: Each person who attends this trip must provide a completed form to Thomas Robben. This form is good for both the spring and fall Ocean Exploration Cruises.  NECWA Merchandise: We will bring some t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other items for sale onboard the boat this Saturday. If you would like to pick-up some NECWA merchandise, please pay with cash or a check.  Thanks again for all your support and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.   Best, Krill  President, NECWA 508-369-8303 krill@necwa.org

Not your ordinary Science Project - First Prize at the Regional Science Fair

Anna Du, a 6th grade student at the Andover School of Massachusetts, won First Prize at the Regional IV Middle School Science & Engineering Fair.

Read about her amazing science project below. 

Developing a Smart Infrared-Based ROV

to Identify Microplastics in the Marine Environment.

The world is facing a threatening problem of microplastics in the ocean. Microplastics, which are plastics the size of 10 um to 5 mm are accumulating everywhere, and its effect on the environment is disastrous. As of 2017, 8 million metric tons have been dumped into the ocean. Not only do the animals in the ocean get affected, humans do as well through a few different means. We can eat fish directly, or eat farm animals that depend on seafood byproducts, or we can eat vegetables that used the animal’s manure as fertilizer.

It's very difficult to separate microplastics from microorganisms and other particles in the ocean; using density, filtration, and chemical techniques have proven to be highly insufficient means of accurately isolating microplastics. To solve this problem, I have built an underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicle) which can analyze microplastics in the ocean. My hypothesis is that I can use infrared LED's of different wavelengths as a more affordable option compared to a commercial NIRS spectroscope that costs around $50,000 dollars. This is so I can have a more affordable and scalable system that would allow researchers to be able to cover more of the ocean floor quickly. 

An innovative part of my ROV is that it does all of the chemical analysis in-situ, as opposed to having to collect samples. The reason why this is good, is because instead of having to take the samples out of the water, and take them all the way to a lab, I can just let the ROV do it, and this allows for much faster research. One key part of my system is the mathematical algorithm that is based on the pattern of the ratio of the absorption of plastics versus sand in different wavelengths of infrared light. My results, which I calibrated against some publicly available FT-IR data, are that you can see a clear difference between plastics versus metal, wood, or other organic chemical bonds such as those commonly found in materials such as seaweed, shellfish and other marine life. 

My conclusion is that I can use infrared LED's as a more efficient way of finding plastics in the ocean. I suspect that microplastics, which have a range of different densities, are very likely aggregating into specific areas, much like gold deposits in the bend of a river, or floating plastics congregate into certain areas of gyres, and the Great Pacific Garbage patch on top of the ocean. If these ocean floor plastic repositories can be identified and categorized, then it will make the job of cleaning them up significantly easier, and much more financially feasible. 

In a future phase of this project, I would like to develop an AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) that utilizes my algorithm as part of the training model for machine learning for the system that can then pinpoint exactly where microplastics are aggregating along the ocean floor. Then these AUV's could optionally be deployed using swarming technology, that would be able to conduct faster spatial mapping of target regions, and use that information to inform the best way of cleaning the microplastics up.

Anna Du

 

Bio: Anna Du is twelve years old and attends Andover School of Montessori. This is her first year attending the science fair, and she did so because she loves marine mammals and other marine life. She's a big fan of both science and engineering and has attended ID Tech education camp every summer as well as attending engineering workshops at MIT Edgerton Center since she was five. She often travels with her family to Europe and Beijing, which is where her roots are, though she was born in Miami, near the ocean. She loves to visit the coastline all along New England. Her hobbies include ice skating, gardening, violin, and reading -- and one of her newest favorite books is My Friend, Salt.