Come and be a 'Scientist for a Day' with AUSMAP, at Rose Bay Beach, Rose Bay, NSW.

Interested in learning more about microplastics across NSW, the impact on humans and the environment, that contributes to authentic data collection of microplastics?

Come and join the ANZ New South Wales Green Ambassador squad and AUSMAP at this exciting volunteering event!

About the day - What will you learn?

* Join Program Director Dr Michelle Blewitt and be a Research Assistant for the day - learn about the global plastic issue and be involved in an immersive science experience collecting microplastic samples. The data will help AUSMAP researchers understand the microplastic issue nationally, and be added to the national database to help find effective remediation strategies.

* Gain a broader environmental awareness on the issue of plastics and deeper insight into the microplastic problem

* What are microplastics, where we can find them in our local community, and how AUSMAP is helping to reduce this problem, along with your help!

* Learn about the current state of affairs across Sydney and learn how we can manage these issues

* Gain hands-on experience by undertaking a scientific microplastic sample along the shoreline of Rose Bay Beach and contribute to authentic data collection

* We will then analyse what we find and be part of the discussion for effective mitigation strategies and waste management to help be part of the solution to Microplastic Pollution!

Expert: Dr Michelle Blewitt (AUSMAP Program Director)

Location:

* 1. Introductory talk and sample processing: Woollahra Sailing Club, 2 Vickery Ave, Rose Bay NSW 2029.

* 2. Microplastic Sampling: Rose Beach (across from the Sailing Club at the West end of Rose Bay beach)

About the Program

It’s hard to solve a problem you can’t see - until recently microplastic pollution presented scientists with a crisis that was invisible to the naked eye. Now we have AUSMAP.

By translating data into vivid maps of plastic pollution hotspots all over Australia, the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP) makes it easy for everyone to see the scale & nature of this growing problem.

We need to know how much is out there before we figure out what to do with it. We also need large numbers of Australians to engage with behaviour change, so we can stop any more plastic entering our waterways.

Data collected by citizen scientists helps create an entire ‘source to solution pathway’, from identifying microplastic hotspots that can then be used to recognise potential sources, to help implement reduction strategies to improve management.

FAQs

What do I need to bring?

* Shoes that can get wet: You will be required to collect water to help sieve, so if you have a pair of waterproof shoes, then please bring them (barefoot is not recommended at this site).

* Sun protection, including hat & sunscreen

* Outdoor wear (& be prepared to get your feet wet!)

* Reusable water bottle

* Light refreshments will be provided.

** Please note - The beach is fully accessible, however the venue does have stairs.

Remember, please BYO reusable drink bottle & coffee cup, no single-use plastics!

For more information, please contact events@ausmap.org