Our scientists further found that the relative distribution of neuston and plastic varies per species and season. They observed a lower seasonality in plastic compared to neuston abundance. This suggests that species ecology is likely the key driver behind the observed seasonal patterns. At present, it remains unclear whether lower neuston densities observed within the hotspot territory are due to difference in accumulation processes of plastic vs neuston or due to negative impacts of higher plastic concentrations on neuston.
Besides operational mitigation strategies based on effective targeting of plastic hotspot areas and considering seasonal distribution patterns, cleanup technologies can further be designed such that interactions with neuston are minimized, for example, by incorporating large mesh sizes that allow neuston to pass through the system. However, larger mesh sizes also reduce the plastic capture efficiency, as fewer smaller plastic fragments are collected. Thus, the possible benefits of such measures for neuston need to be evaluated against the negative ecological impacts of microplastics.
This new research provides important new insights into neuston dynamics in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and its findings are reassuring. It further highlights how cleanup operations represent a unique opportunity to collect data from this remote and difficult to access region. Such data helps formulate strategies and better inform policy makers, including in the context of the UN Treaty on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) as well as the UN global plastics treaty, thus ensuring a sustainable future for the high seas.
Knowing that there is still much to discover, our scientists will continue to actively contribute to an improved understanding of the ecosystem of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and how we maximize the ecological benefits of our offshore cleanup activities. We encourage anyone with concerns, recommendations, or any questions about our environmental research and mitigation measures to contact our Environmental and Social Affairs team at esa@theoceancleanup.com.
