WEBVTT
Kind: captions
Language: en

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You've probably heard of the Pacific
Garbage Patch, and other plastic debris in the ocean.

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But have you heard of microplastics?

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When larger plastic debris

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like this breaks down in the ocean it
degrades into microplastics.

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Pesticides and other chemicals can be absorbed from
the water into the microplastics and

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animals that eat these microplastics
can move the chemicals up the food chain

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eventually affecting humans who eat
seafood and other fish.

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Our study has set out to look at different areas of
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

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to look at the densities of plastics.

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We're looking at areas such as near

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rivers and near sewer outfalls to see
where the plastics come from and where

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they concentrate.

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We deploy our manta net
off the side of the boat going about two

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knots and leave it in the water for
about half an hour using a flow meter to

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determine the exact distance traveled.

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After retrieving the net we rinse
everything collected out of the cod end

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and into sample jars for later
detailed processing in the lab.

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During the deployment, collection, and retrieval,
detailed notes are taken regarding the

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location and other important factors
such as sea conditions.

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After collecting our samples we have to analyze what we found.

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Because not all microplastics are

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visible to the naked eye we have to use
a microscope.

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Microplastics are classified by five types:

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fragments, films, pellets, filaments, and foam.

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We are still analyzing our data but past studies have
shown that filaments from clothes are in

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higher concentration near sewer outfalls.

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We also expect to find more microplastics

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where ocean currents congregate
biological material.

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So what can you do to help with this global issue?

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First, you should limit your use of single-use

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plastic products such as water bottles
and plastic bags and recycle them when you can.

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Also make sure you dispose of
your trash properly so it doesn't end up in the ocean.

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Lastly, help with your local beach cleanups and pick up trash

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when you see it on the beach.