Tenerife Under Attack: Microplastics and the Need for Urgent Action

Recent studies, such as those carried out during the Expedición La España Azul, have highlighted the concentration and distribution of microplastics in the Canary Islands’ waters, with a particular focus on leeward zones where a high accumulation of floating microplastics is expected. The expedition, led by the famous adventurer Nacho Dean, aimed to investigate and learn how best to counter the major threat posed by microplastics in the oceans, which affect not only nature but also the flora and fauna of our environment. The vessel and its crew departed from San Sebastian in September 2022 and continued to sail along the Spanish coast until June 2023. In collaboration with the University of Cadiz, their mission at each stop was to conduct scientific research, beach cleanups, and seminars for schools, local authorities, and their communities. Canary Green was lucky to have the opportunity to take part in an exciting sailing expedition with Nacho and his team.

The accumulation of plastic is associated with the formation of a marine litter windrow, which poses a danger to marine organisms. The biggest danger of plastic in the waters of the Canary Islands goes beyond the visible damage it causes to marine fauna. In fact, the lines of plastic accumulation, which concentrate in copepods and fish larvae, become traps for planktivorous organisms and their predators, who accidentally ingest these marine debris. This leads to serious consequences for local fauna, including digestive problems and the risk of entanglement. In response to this growing threat, the Expedición La España Azul focused on monitoring floating plastic, using manta nets to collect samples and study the concentration and distribution of microplastics.

Method

The research team used manta nets with a 200-micron mesh and a flowmeter to gather data on marine plastic pollution. To deploy the net, it was lowered from the side of the vessel using a tangon or a similar device, keeping it parallel to the hull and about 3-4 meters away. This setup avoided interference from the boat’s wake, ensuring cleaner and more reliable samples. Each sampling session took approximately 15 minutes, with the vessel maintaining a steady speed of 2-3 knots. During this time, about 50-70 m3 of water was filtered. The team carefully recorded the coordinates, start and end times, and flowmeter readings for each tow. To ensure comprehensive coverage, transects were conducted parallel to the coastline at two different distances, with three repetitions at each distance. This resulted in a total of six hauls per location. After each haul, the samples were collected using a matabi and funnel, then preserved in 500 mL bottles filled with alcohol. In addition to the manta net sampling, floating macroplastic was monitored through visual censuses from the deck. Observers scanned plastic debris at fixed points and during the vessel’s journey between sampling areas. All collected samples were sent to the Marine Litter Laboratory at the University of Cádiz for further analysis. This well-structured methodology provided valuable insights into the extent of plastic pollution in marine waters, contributing to a deeper understanding of this global environmental issue.

Scientific research suggests that plastic accumulation lines could be more effectively located using radar or satellite imagery. This type of advanced monitoring could target high-risk areas where plastics accumulate, enabling more focused cleanup efforts and the rescue of trapped marine fauna.

Raising Awareness and Action: The Canary Islands’ Call to End Plastic Waste

Beyond data collection, it is crucial to raise awareness among the public and institutions about the need to reduce single-use plastic consumption and implement more effective recycling strategies. In this context, the Canary Islands must be at the center of local and international efforts to tackle plastic pollution, to protect marine biodiversity and to safeguard the quality of life for those who depend on the sea.

Plastic has become a permanent intruder in our seas, and only through collective effort can we hope to address this problem. The Canary Islands, with their unique biodiversity represent a symbol of how our planet is facing one of its most urgent challenges. The Expedición La España Azul by Nacho Dean is a beacon of hope and a call to action for all of us.