The Problem with Plastics
Plastics are introduced into the environment by human use. They can be transported great distances on currents and winds, and they break down extremely slowly. Plastic debris has significant impacts on marine ecosystems, both environmental and economic. Large pieces of plastic debris can foul the appearance of a beach, but smaller components find their way into food webs where they can affect the health of entire ecosystems. The accumulation of plastics in the marine environment is of growing concern.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center, along with volunteers and partnering community groups, is attempting to find out how much plastic debris is present in local waters by sampling sandy beaches for plastic and other human debris. Since 2008 this group has sampled over 30 sandy beaches in all twelve counties bordering the US Salish Sea.
The Sampling Process
The sampling protocol is not a difficult process. It consists of gathering beach sediment from a square meter area at the highest wrack line on the beach. The material is sorted by size and plastic and other human debris are separated out.The steps used in collecting and analyzing the samples are described below.
You can also watch a video explaining the sampling process at this link: 
