This 6-month mission began on May 27 and brought together more than 40 scientists and 10 laboratories. Thousands of samples of plastic particles were collected from estuaries and further upstream on 9 major European rivers. These plastic samples are clues and provide evidence that will enable us to: trace the origin of plastic dispersion found at sea; identify the dispersion centers (according to the size and chemical nature of the various plastic fragments); and target the strongest concentrations — in order to take action at the source. Our investigation into the origins of plastic pollution will help to understand the dispersion and impacts of plastic in the marine environment.

Erik Orsenna, chairman of IFGR, is a sponsor of the Tara Ocean Foundation in 2019-2020.

Rendez-vous the weekend of November 23-24 at Lorient’s Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly to celebrate the return of the sailors and scientists!