Tracking plastic pollution from source to sea: Kicking off the Expedition in Tongatapu

The expedition started off in Tongatapu, the main Island of Tonga and home of its capital Nuku‘alofa. The Exxpedition team was able to conduct a litter transect on a local beach, measuring out a 50m long area and documenting the debris that was present. Thanks to Pavalli Dave we have a timelapse video that captured the group in action throughout the transect. The team was also able to perform another transect inland close to a garbage facility to get a better sense of what plastic refuse was prevalent on the island.

Before setting sail from Nuku‘alofa, Dr. Garza was able to give a master class for local students and government environmental department members on eDNA Sampling. She also conducted a scientific presentation for the British High Commissioner, highlighting her sequencing methods, equipment and some sobering statistics about microplastic pollution and what we're exposed to on a daily basis.