The issue of microplastics pollution is drawing national attention, and ASC has been at the heart of the discussion this summer, with both our Worldwide Microplastics Project and the Gallatin Microplastics Initiative featured in Outside Magazine, Yellowstone Public Radio and Montana Public Radio stories, among others.
The Gallatin River flows clear near its source in Yellowstone National Park. Will we find plastic even here? (Photo: CC)
Outside writer Mary Catherine O’Connor interviewed ASC Executive Director Gregg Treinish about our research, highlighting the recent expansion to fresh water, as well as ASC’s collaboration with outdoor gear companies to find future solutions.
In addition, National Public Radio listeners around Montana and the Greater Yellowstone learned about the issue when Jackie Yamanaka interviewed ASC’s Jenna Walenga about the ASC Gallatin Microplastics Initiative for a two-minute show that aired on YPR Morning Edition and Montana Public Radio.
“Walenga says fish and other organisms can eat these microplastics,” Yamanaka reported. “But more importantly, some scientists suggest microplastics attract and can soak up toxins and can pass them along the food chain.”
Yamanaka also mentioned the opportunity for volunteer paddlers and hikers to join Gallatin Microplastics Initiative river sampling teams starting this September. Learn more about the opportunity and apply here:
A kayaker prepares to enter a rapid during the 2015 Gallatin Whitewater Festival. (Photo by Grace Kay Matelich)
Learn more about the Worldwide Microplastics Project, the Gallatin Microplastics Initiative and other ASC projects on our website, the Field Notes blog, and our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ pages.