NUNZIUM

Recent findings from The Ocean Race have revealed alarming concentrations of microplastics in the world's oceans, including the most remote areas. With concentrations up to 1,884 particles per cubic meter of seawater, this is an 18-fold increase from the 2017-18 Ocean Race. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles measuring between 0.03 mm and 5 mm, pose a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems.

The Ocean Race, a 62,000km sailing competition that began in January and finishes in July, allows sailors to collect data on various environmental factors in locations rarely reached by research vessels. So far, 40 samples have been analyzed, with microplastics found in each one. The highest concentrations were found near urban areas, coastlines, and "garbage patch" areas. Even near Point Nemo, the most remote area in the ocean, 320 microplastic particles per cubic meter were found, a significant increase from the 9-41 particles found during the last race.

These high concentrations of microplastics near shorelines are particularly concerning for fisheries production and the blue economy, which relies heavily on healthy marine ecosystems. The microplastics research is part of a science program during The Ocean Race, involving two teams: GUYOT environnement - Team Europe and Team Holcim - PRB. The samples are sent daily to the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) for analysis, with support from the University of Rhode Island.

The Ocean Race science initiative is part of the Racing with Purpose sustainability program, and all teams in the competition carry equipment to collect data on human impact on the ocean. The race started in Alicante, Spain on 15th January 2023 and will end in Genova, Italy in June. This year's race is also analyzing microplastic fibers, which were not tested in the previous edition. The Ocean Race contributes data to the Ocean Decade Odyssey project, part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

In conclusion, the alarming increase in microplastic concentrations found during The Ocean Race highlights the urgent need for global action to reduce plastic pollution and protect our oceans. The race serves as a stark reminder of the human impact on even the most remote areas of our planet, emphasizing the importance of preserving the health and sustainability of our oceans for future generations.