A plastic ocean anyone?

The amount of plastic in our oceans is a hot topic globally, yesterday the Mwambao team were fortunate to host visiting scientists Elizabeth Lundsor and Sara Rydbeck to present the preliminary results from two weeks of sampling ocean micro-plastics around Zanzibar and analysing samples at The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) Beit el Ras campus with students.

Plastic was invented in 1907, today we produce 300 million tons of plastic every year! 8 million tons of this ends up in our oceans each year! Where? On the sea floor, in the water column and in small pieces (microplastics) that enter the bodies of fish, turtles, birds, zooplankton and other sea life!

The extent of the problem is now being acknowledged globally across all sectors, and we are beginning to understand the true extent of the problem. Preliminary results show levels of plastic in Zanzibar are similar to those found in Europe. With anticipation, we look forward to seeing the full report from Elizabeth and Sara!

Check out this video by Plastic Oceans to find out more about microplastics!

Thanks to all who attended the presentation: Environmental Studies students from SUZA, Marine Life students from Kawa Training Centre, a representative from the Ministry of Education, Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors, Marine Cultures, Chumbe Island, a student from Mto Pepo Secondary School, Emerson Hotel, Safari Blue Tours and Zanzibar Tourism & Local Development.