The COI Environmental Plastic Assessment Program (EPAP) addresses one of today’s most pressing environmental concerns: Marine/Aquatic Debris. EPAP blends beach cleanups with research, enabling volunteers to collect data while in the field. Our aim is to clean beaches while systematically assessing and monitoring plastic pollution to inform future policies for sustainable change. Over the past 13 years, EPAP has engaged citizen scientists at beaches worldwide.
Marine debris severely impacts ocean health, with plastic pollution being a primary offender. Through COI’s EPAP, we seek to enhance our understanding of plastic pollution’s sources, distribution, and volume across different regions. This comprehensive approach enables local communities to target pollution sources and improve waste management practices effectively.
To learn more, contact David Schwartz, COI Education Director at davids@cointl.org.
