Plastics are a hazard in our oceans. Recent news articles have documented whales with 18 pounds of plastic in their stomachs, huge areas in the North Pacific Ocean choked with plastic debris, and shorelines contaminated with plastic detritus. But what about the plastics in the ocean that we can’t see?
The Sustainability Action Group for the Environment will be holding an information evening on plastics and microplastics in the oceans on Friday, June 15, at 7 p.m. in the hall at Comox United Church.
The guest speaker is Laura Griffith-Cochrane, marine biologist and curator of the Ucluelet Aquarium. Griffith-Cochrane and her staff have been conducting seines and beach studies to measure the amount of microplastics in the waters on the West Coast and the impact of those plastics on marine life. They have installed an interactive marine debris art display in their facility to educate visitors to the issue of plastics in the ocean. With sponsorship from Mountain Equipment Co-op and The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, they have also developed an educational project entitled “Be a Better Beach Goer” that focuses on how to reduce our impact on the oceans while still enjoying the beauty that is coastal British Columbia.
Come out and learn more about this threat to our oceans and marine life and to hear about initiatives that help to reduce ocean plastics.
Admission by donation to support the work of the Sustainability Action Group for the Environment.
For more information, contact Helen Boyd at CVNHE@telus.net