Rugged Coast research projects are intended to inform the public and stakeholders about the state of the BC coast nearshore environment and impact humankind is having on it. To date the focus has been on understanding the concentration and accumulation of plastic and styrofoam debris.
Map marine plastic accumulation locations along BC’s west coast.
Determine the type and quantity of debris accumulating on the coast.
Prioritize macro plastic removal locations. The map created (objective #1) will be overlaid with sensitive and important habitats. Clean-up/ removal priority will be given to sensitive and important habitats that contain a high concentration of plastic debris.
Determine the rate of plastic accumulation on priority beaches. Ground surveys on priority beaches will occur post removal and an accumulation rate will be calculated.
In the summer of 2017, RCRS completed shoreline surveys between Books Peninsula and Calvert Island. The survey results determined five main accumulation locations. In the summer of 2018, RCRS conducting surveys along Hesquait Peninsula and between Nootka Island and South Books Peninsula. In 2019, RCRS completed shoreline surveys between Port Hardy and Cape Scott.
Map suspended micro plastic accumulation locations along BC’s west coast.
Determine the type and quantity of suspended micro plastic accumulating on the coast.
Prioritize areas to test suspended micro plastic removal techniques.
Inform seafood harvesters about potential areas contaminated with microplastics.
