Spring STRAWkle and Microplastic Survey

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! (Or it's just about to!)

Join AUSMAP and Operation Straw this weekend to jump in the ocean for a STRAWkle or take part in the awesome AUSMAP citizen science program.

We've partnered with our friends at AUSMAP who are doing some incredible research into the extent of microplastic pollution along our coastlines. Plastic doesn't decompose, it just gets smaller. Our oceans are now full of teeny, tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm. These particles can be ingested by some of the most minuscule (but important) creatures in the sea, like plankton.

Come down and get involved with some #science, sift through the sand and help find out how much microplastic is hanging around Manly Cove.

Our findings will contribute to a nationwide project designed to obtain reliable vital data on the presence of microplastics in the Australian marine environment (which is pretty bloody cool if you ask us).

PLUS, we'll have treats for anyone who jumps in the chilly water with us.

EVENT DETAILS:

You'll have the opportunity to sift through the sand for microplastics or jump in the ocean for a STRAWkle at our next event (or a little of both if you're an EXTRA keen bean!).

Please meet at the grassy area outside the Manly Art Gallery at 9am sharp.

If you're jumping in the water for a STRAWkle bring your snorkel, mask, and fins. Temperatures are starting to cool in Sydney so we highly recommend bringing a wetsuit if you've got one. If you don't have snorkel gear, contact our friends at Dive Centre Manly to rent some snorkeling equipment or a wetsuit.

For more information on Operation Straw head to: http://operationstraw.org/