Harmonized monitoring and data compilation of marine plastic litter
Guidelines for Harmonizing Ocean Surface Microplastic Monitoring Methods
【Back ground and Process】
In response to the growing interest surrounding microplastics in the ocean, microplastic monitoring carried out by many institutions around the world using various methods. It is expected that monitoring will continue, but as different sampling and analytical methods are used - depending on the purpose of the surveys of each country and research institution - there is a fundamental lack of comparability among currently available data.
To remedy the situation, the MOEJ published the first version of the "Guidelines for Harmonizing Ocean Surface Microplastic Monitoring Methods" in May 2019, based on the comparison study of sampling and analysis methods through the demonstration projects and discussions at an international expert meeting consists of domestic and international experts. The MOEJ also updated the guidelines in 2020, and is promoting harmonization of the monitoring methods through the guideline.
Also, the second revision, such as rivising the definition of maximum in “Feret diameter*” and clarifying the minimum requirement of data items, was made in 2023, in order to accelerate further accumulation of monitoring data. The MOEJ will continue to lead harmonizing global data which is the basis for combating plastic pollution.
In response to the growing interest surrounding microplastics in the ocean, microplastic monitoring carried out by many institutions around the world using various methods. It is expected that monitoring will continue, but as different sampling and analytical methods are used - depending on the purpose of the surveys of each country and research institution - there is a fundamental lack of comparability among currently available data.
To remedy the situation, the MOEJ published the first version of the "Guidelines for Harmonizing Ocean Surface Microplastic Monitoring Methods" in May 2019, based on the comparison study of sampling and analysis methods through the demonstration projects and discussions at an international expert meeting consists of domestic and international experts. The MOEJ also updated the guidelines in 2020, and is promoting harmonization of the monitoring methods through the guideline.
Revision of the guidelines
Research vessels were commonly used in conventional monitoring projects, but it was difficult to disseminate monitoring broadly because of the limited numbers of the vessels and its cost. In addition, in areas where there are many floating materials such as fish eggs and plankton, nets tend to become clogged. Based on these problems, the MOEJ revised the guidelines so that the guidelines can be applied to small boats and areas where there are many floating materials in 2020. Also, the second revision, such as rivising the definition of maximum in “Feret diameter*” and clarifying the minimum requirement of data items, was made in 2023, in order to accelerate further accumulation of monitoring data. The MOEJ will continue to lead harmonizing global data which is the basis for combating plastic pollution.
*a measure of an object‘s size along a specified direction