"Every piece of litter that is picked up is a piece of scientific data, a piece no longer there to be ingested by wildlife, a piece of the puzzle. The trash is literally my research and every piece can tell a story. "
Research Projects
We pursue the goals of our mission through various methods including scientific research.
We work collaboratively with other organizations, research institutions, and our local communities to share knowledge and develop effective solutions for addressing marine litter and its impacts. Our goal is to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable ocean ecosystem for all. Through our work, we aim to raise awareness about the critical importance of marine conservation and to inspire individuals and communities to take action to protect our oceans and the marine life that depend on them. Join us in our mission to protect our oceans and the animals that call them home!
***Please contact us for any publications you may be interested in.***
-Nikia Rice
Founder
Ecological risk assessment and analysis of marine litter ingestion in the marine turtle post hatchling developmental life stage in the Northwestern Atlantic
One of our primary research projects focuses on plastics ingestion in sea turtles. We study the incidence and effects of plastics ingestion in sea turtles through necropsies and characterization of ingested pieces with the goal of better understanding the extent of the problem and identifying potential solutions.
Beach surface sediment survey assessment of plastics in post-hatchling habitat
A long term research project involving quantitative data being taken during our beach clean up surveys. During the surveys we use a standardized protocol at both of our survey sites to be able to compare temporally as well as spatially. A major research focus of our marine litter surveys is the plastics within the wrack line, particularly smaller pieces on the meso- and micro-plastics scale.
Identify local sources of marine litter using survey data and a socio-economically based conceptual map
An ongoing and collaborative project involving various stakeholders to help with the identification, removal and hopefully future prevention of specifiic sources of plastics pollution. We perform quantitative marine litter surveys in coastal and marine environments. These regularly scheduled surveys are conducted with proper disposal, recycling, or repurpose of all litter collected. These surveys help us to assess the types and quantities of marine litter present in different locations, and to identify areas where cleanup efforts may be needed.
Brevard County Wildlife Entanglement Database
This is an ongoing and collaborative project that aims at any demographic to submit to the wildlife entanglement encounter database; including the public, rescuers, rehabbers etc. The major goal is to gather an accurate baseline for this threat county wide.
Project Name
COMING SOON