Citizen Science and Microplastics: Engaging Communities in Ocean Health Monitoring
*Corresponding Author: Gina Ruan, Department of Microbiologgy and Immunology, Kampala International University, Uganda, Email: ruagina624@yahoo.comReceived Date: Sep 02, 2024 / Published Date: Sep 30, 2024
Citation: Gina R (2024) Citizen Science and Microplastics: Engaging Communitiesin Ocean Health Monitoring. J Marine Sci Res Dev 14: 478.
Copyright: © 2024 Gina R. This is an open-access article distributed under theterms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricteduse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author andsource are credited.
Abstract
Microplastics are pervasive pollutants that pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and human health. Traditional monitoring methods often fall short in capturing the widespread distribution of microplastics in oceans. Citizen science has emerged as a powerful tool for engaging communities in environmental monitoring, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by microplastics. This article explores the role of citizen science in monitoring microplastics, discussing successful projects, methodologies, community engagement strategies, and the implications for ocean health. By leveraging the knowledge and enthusiasm of local communities, citizen science initiatives can enhance data collection, raise awareness, and contribute to more effective policy measures for mitigating microplastic pollution.