Citizen science is increasingly becoming a pivotal force in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. One area where community involvement is being harnessed is in the study of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems. In September 2025, an exciting opportunity will arise for everyday individuals to engage with leading experts in the field of marine pollution and conservation on a unique expedition off the Atlantic coast. This initiative is spearheaded by the University of Staffordshire, featuring Professor Claire Gwinnett, a distinguished figure in forensic and environmental science, alongside the team from Basking Shark Scotland.
The expeditions, which take place over four days each, will launch from Inverness in Scotland, a location that has become vital for observing the majestic basking sharks. These enigmatic creatures are often found in high concentrations during late summer months in the upper Moray Firth, and they present a fascinating opportunity for both researchers and volunteers. The primary focus of these trips is to monitor the microplastic pollution present in the feeding zones of basking sharks while contributing critical data to ongoing global research efforts.
Professor Gwinnett, renowned for her innovative approach that combines forensic techniques with marine science, has developed a method termed "CSI for the Ocean." This pioneering framework allows for a more nuanced analysis of how microplastics are dispersed in marine environments. By employing scientific protocols typically reserved for crime scene investigations, researchers can map the prevalence of microplastic pollution across diverse ecosystems. This method has already seen successful applications in various significant locations worldwide, including the Hudson River in New York and the Hawaiian archipelago’s waters.
In heading into the late summer of 2025, Professor Gwinnett and her team are set to conduct four expeditions where citizen scientists will play an instrumental role. Participants are not required to have any previous background in marine biology or environmental science to join. This inclusivity opens the door for individuals from various walks of life to contribute their time and energy towards a cause greater than themselves, all while gaining first-hand experience in marine research and conservation practices.
Each day of the expedition will be a mixture of hands-on activities onboard a research vessel, where participants will collect and analyze samples of zooplankton for microplastics, as well as tracking basking shark populations by recording their size, sex, and behavioral patterns. Participants will also have the chance to utilize a specially developed application in collaboration with National Geographic. This app utilizes artificial intelligence to catalog and analyze the plastic samples collected, demonstrating the integration of modern technology with traditional research efforts, thereby enhancing our understanding of microplastic impact on marine life.
Realizing the profound effects that microplastics can have on marine ecosystems—especially on filter feeders like basking sharks—highlights the urgency of this research. Microplastics can disrupt feeding behaviors and even pose risks to the sharks’ overall health, making the need for comprehensive studies paramount. This initiative interprets the urgent call for action by not only collecting data but also fostering public engagement, thereby empowering a new generation of environmental stewards who are informed about the challenges faced by our oceans.
Shane Wasik of Basking Shark Scotland emphasizes the importance of data collection during these late summer aggregations of basking sharks. He notes that these expeditions aim to establish a clearer understanding of the population dynamics of basking sharks, alongside pioneering novel experiments exploring the interaction of marine life with microplastic pollution. All participants should be prepared for an immersive experience, one that promises not only to broaden their knowledge but to contribute to actionable scientific insights that can enhance conservation practices.
Professor Gwinnett emphasizes the paramount importance of monitoring microplastics for both ecological and health-related reasons. She underscores that this collaborative effort will generate significant data, potentially revealing correlations between microplastic ingestion and the behavioral changes of marine animals. This data will be essential in forming a robust response to the growing issue of pollution, shedding light on the extent of microplastics in the ocean and learn how they may be effectively mitigated.
As the expedition season approaches, individuals interested in participating should consider the investment in joining these crucial research efforts. The cost of £790.00 per person reflects not only the experience of involvement in a variety of scientific activities but also includes vital training on the methodologies and technologies used, from sample collection techniques to utilizing innovative data analysis applications.
These four expeditions are scheduled to occur between September 2nd and September 17th, 2025. Offering a unique blend of scientific inquiry and marine exploration, this initiative serves as a critical campaign to further understand and combat microplastic pollution. It embodies a collaborative spirit that elevates the role of citizen scientists in meaningful research that impacts global ecological health.
Through this exciting intersection of public involvement and scientific rigor, the expeditions promise to make strides towards unraveling some of the mysteries surrounding basking sharks and microplastics. This effort not only enhances our understanding of the impacts of pollution but also fosters a community of educated advocates for marine conservation. With the growing awareness and concern for ocean health among the public, such initiatives are essential as we strive to protect the fragile ecosystems on which so many species rely, including our own.
By leveraging both community engagement and advanced research techniques, this upcoming collaborative venture presents a coherent strategy for addressing one of the modern age’s most pressing ecological dilemmas. The future of marine research, especially regarding pollution and its far-reaching effects, ultimately depends on such inclusive and innovative approaches that resonate with diverse communities and encourage them to be part of the solution.
Subject of Research: Animals
Article Title: Join Leading Experts in Microplastic Research: A Call to Citizen Scientists
News Publication Date: September 2025
Web References: Basking Shark Scotland
References: CSI for the Ocean
Image Credits: Credit: University of Staffordshire/Rozalia Project
Keywords: Environmental health, Marine fishes, Water pollution, Scientific approaches, Coastlines.
