This research aims to establish a baseline of plastic litter found along shorelines and in areas of high human use. Data will be collected through trash pickup, recording both plastic counts and mass. These measurements will provide baseline plastic load estimates to support ongoing research by PI Christopher Jerde and graduate student Becca Reynolds in collaboration with FUERTE, which surveys plastics at NRS locations. Field collections will be carried out by Jasmine Childress under permits issued by the National Park Service. However, due to the federal government shutdown, housing on the island is no longer available, and the project team is requesting housing support for a five-day period to complete the work.

Approved