PPWG Goal 6: Effective approaches for surveillance and modelling of macro and micro plastic to aid response efforts, prediction of plastic movements and source identification.
This webinar, from the Plastic Pollution Working Group, looks at the different types of surveillance available to help us identify and track a potential plastic pollution spillage at sea.
The increase in low level satellites in recent years has improved surveillance coverage and image resolution so better detection is possible. However, there are limitations that are explained. In many cases the resolution is sufficient to act as a trigger for other means of surveillance which are also discussed.
The data that the satellites, drones and visual observation deliver do provide essential information to computer modelling packages that aid in the prediction of plastic movements and source identification.
It is important that this data is shared as it enables collaboration.
The role of citizen science is important and is discussed as well as stakeholder engagement.
The combination of these tools may identify the source.
The webinar was delivered by Mark Orr, Executive Director of UK and Ireland Spill Association and Kate Brown who is an Oil Spill Response and Geomatics specialist from Oil Spill Response Ltd