AOMI Database Workshop: Enhancing Ocean Microplastics Monitoring

Marine litter, including plastic, is a global challenge. Microplastics pollution of the marine environment is recognized as a serious international issue; therefore, determining the current distribution and quantity of ocean microplastics is an urgent task. This is important for policymaking and implementation based on concrete scientific knowledge. Microplastics monitoring is performed by many institutions worldwide using various methods. However, different sampling and analytical methods are used depending on the purpose of the survey in each country and research institution.
To address the situation, in May 2019, the MOE Japan published the first version of the "Guidelines for Harmonizing Ocean Surface Microplastics Monitoring Methods", based on comparison studies of sampling and analysis methods through demonstration projects and discussions at an international expert meeting.
By applying these guidelines, the comparability of monitoring data on ocean surface microplastics can be improved. However, global monitoring data have not yet been compiled in a comparable manner. Therefore, Japan proposed a new global monitoring data-sharing system at the G20 Workshop held by the MOE Japan in September 2020, and a database system called the Atlas of Ocean Microplastics (AOMI) has been released in this May, which contains monitoring data on ocean surface microplastics* from researchers, institutions, and governments around the world and provides the collected data with 2D maps of sampling locations and microplastics distribution.
However, there is still a lack of monitoring data, especially in Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, and India. Therefore, the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, will convene the international workshop “AOMI Database Workshop: Enhancing Ocean Microplastics Monitoring” on October 8, 2024, to improve recognition of the AOMI and facilitate understanding of the importance of accumulating and utilizing monitoring data on marine plastic litter.
 
This workshop will feature related initiatives and research, such as the UNEP Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML), detailing their current activities and tools. Additionally, a panel discussion will address the current situation and challenges in ocean surface plastic monitoring. Finally, in the later session, specific functions and data submission processes in AOMI will be introduced.

 This workshop will be held online. The materials will be uploaded on the website of the MOE Japan below once prepared.
 https://www.env.go.jp/page_00929.html

(1) Time and format
     Date: October 8, 2024
     Time: 18:00-21:00 (JST)
     Meeting style: Virtual meeting (Zoom webinar)
     Organizer: Ministry of the Environment, Japan
     Capacity: 500 persons (first come first served)
     Language: English only

(2) Program (TBC)
　　
     
(3) Registration
   [1] How to register
        Online registration is required prior to the meeting.
        Please fill in your name, organization, email address, title, and country in the application form below.
        https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DB-Ma8N-TTG8TlxpOkE8eA
   [2] Registration Deadline
        5pm on October 7 (JST)
        * The application will close when the capacity of participants is reached.
(4) Contact address
      Workshop secretariat: IDEA Consultants, Inc. Japan.
      Email: m-plastics1@ideacon.co.jp