Guest Speakers on Pervasive Plastics in our Sandy Beach Ecosystem
Surfrider welcomes the public to join us at our first general chapter meeting for 2016 on Tuesday February 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30 at Patagonia / Great Pacific Iron Works.
The chapter meeting will cover local program and campaign updates and feature a guest presentation by a research team from the California State University at Channel Islands. Dr. Clare Steele, and seniors Michaela Miller, and Dorothy Horn will be on hand to present their capstone project research on pervasive plastics in our sandy beach ecosystem. These are plastics you can’t see or pick up, but are being found throughout our environment.
Michaela is studying the composition and seasonal fluctuation of plastic particle contamination off of our coasts to give us a better understanding of where it comes from and how to manage it. Recent recipient of a WRPI-USDA research grant, Dorothy Horn has found both micro fibers and plastic particles in sand crabs off our coast and is studying the effects of this human caused pollution on these organisms and the effects on the adjacent sandy beach ecosystems.
As California votes in November 2016 for a statewide plastic checkout bag ban (vote YES!), news about plastic pollution popping up in odd places such as sand crabs is alraming. Join Surfrider’s Rise Above Plastics program to help fight the waves of plastic pollution.
Another focus for Surfrider in Ventura this year is raising awareness of the need to bring down Matilija Dam as a major step toward the natural rehabilitation of Surfrer’s Point. Come out to the chapter meeting to learn more about all of our local programs and campaigns.
WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE TO HELP?
The list is endless, but you can pitch in at the Surfrider beach cleanup at Ormond Beach from 9am-11am on Saturday February 27th. Visit www.facebook.com/venturasurfrider for updates on all of these events and more.
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. ventura.surfrider.org
