UGA Researching Microplastics

What are microplastics, and what are they doing to Georgia’s shellfish and other marine life?

At its January 16 meeting, Friends of Skidaway Audubon will welcome Dr. Jay Brandes from the University of Georgia’s Skidaway Island Institute of Oceanography. He will discuss the widespread problem of plastic pollution in the marine environment, especially microplastics, with a focus on the Georgia coast. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Messiah Lutheran Church and is free for Friends of Skidaway Audubon members and $5 for non-members. The presentation is part of the Skidaway Audubon speaker series.

Brandes’ research into microplastics contamination is conducted in cooperation with the UGA Marine Extension Service (MAREX), located at the northern end of Skidaway Island alongside the Institute of Oceanography facilities. Recently, research has included the examination of patterns of microplastics contamination in organisms such as oysters.

Join us to learn about the scope of this mounting problem, as well as some possible solutions. For information about becoming a Friends of Skidaway Audubon member, visit skidawayaudubon.org.