We’re delighted to have you join our efforts in marine debris sampling! Please ensure you follow this guide closely to effectively contribute to our research. Print-friendly version.

Procedure
Step 1. Selecting the Samping Area within a Tie Zone

1. Upon arrival at the beach, select an area for sampling.
2. Turtle markers are placed every 100 meters along the beach and should be visible offshore. Locate the closest marker and note down its number on the data collection form.
3. ​Each tie area corresponds to a transect of the beach you will be working on. The beach is divided into six main tide areas, numbered from 1 to 6. Refer to the provided picture to identify the transect and note down the number on the data collection form.

Step 2. Setting Up and Identifying the Sampling Area​

1. Within the selected tide area, identify a specific 3m x 3m section where you will collect samples.
2. ​Ensure that the selected sampling quadrant is at least 3 meters away from the high tide line to ensure that the samples are relevant and consistent.

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Step 3. Surface Sampling

1. Use gloves to protect your hands while handling debris.
2. ​Gently dig the surface layer of the sand to a shallow depth using a shovel, ensuring that the sand is dry and undisturbed from deeper layers.

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Step 4. Collecting and Filtering Plastics

1. Place the shoveled sample onto the net. Moderately shake the net to filter through the sand within the marked area, until no sand is left.
2. Transfer the remaining debris into a bucket for later sorting and counting.
3. Continue this process until you have thoroughly sampled the entire 3m x 3m area.

Step 5. Sorting and Recording Plastic Debris

1. Separate the collected plastics into categories such as large plastics and microplastics based on size and type.
2. ​Record the quantities and types of plastics on the provided data sheet, specifying the tie area and specific location details.

Step 6. Microplastic Processing

1. After recording larger pieces, focus on microplastics.
2. Fill a tray with water and place the remaining smaller debris in it to separate microplastics from organic materials like seaweed, which should float to the surface and be removed.
3. Carefully count the microplastic pieces and document these counts on the data sheet under the corresponding categories and note the specific characteristics of the microplastics observed.