The Ocean Cleanup Survey App 2.1.1

In an age where plastic pollution is a pressing concern for marine environments, The Ocean Cleanup Survey App stands out as a significant tool for citizen scientists. Developed by leading experts at The Ocean Cleanup, this user-friendly application empowers individuals to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of ocean plastic pollution. Through the app, users can accurately report plastic debris found in rivers and oceans directly from their smartphones, making it a pioneering initiative in real-time plastic count reporting.

The app offers a straightforward and engaging means for users to participate actively in ocean conservation efforts. By utilizing The Ocean Cleanup Survey App, volunteers can aid in generating vital data for scientists and policymakers alike, as well as enhance global awareness of marine pollution issues.

Conducting a survey with The Ocean Cleanup Survey App involves a few simple steps: download the app, select a safe survey location near a river or ocean, log in, and choose your preferred survey duration. Users are then equipped to log the plastic items they observe on the water's surface, using categorized options presented on their device's screen.

The rewards of engaging with the app extend beyond personal satisfaction:

• Contribute to the global understanding of plastic pollution dynamics.
• Assist in identifying effective strategies for mitigating pollution in both rivers and oceans.
• Utilize defined categories for real-time counting of waste items.
• Access your results through a collaborative citizen science map.

The necessity for conducting plastic surveys cannot be understated. Rivers serve as major conduits for plastic waste, frequently transporting materials from land into oceans. With over 8 billion tons of plastic produced globally, a troubling amount enters our waterways. Current estimates suggest that merely 1,000 rivers contribute around 80% of riverine plastic inputs into marine environments. Understanding the types and volumes of waste is crucial for developing more effective intervention strategies. Data collected via the app will significantly inform scientific models that simulate terrestrial plastic transport and its eventual accumulation in oceans—ultimately aiding clean-up operations.

Users are invited to be part of this historic clean-up effort. As the global database expands, participants may receive invitations to engage in specific survey campaigns targeting key waterways or oceanic areas.

The Ocean Cleanup Survey App ensures user privacy by collecting only essential information for account authentication and communication purposes. Registered users may provide their name and email address—personal data employed solely for these functions. During the survey process, location data is captured momentarily at the survey's initiation to ascertain precise surveying areas; further tracking is not conducted. Additionally, information such as survey timestamps and debris counts are recorded alongside a randomized identifier corresponding to each user’s account.