Ecological Marine Ranching ANSO Microplastc project
ANSO Microplastc project

The "Coral Triangle" refers to the more than 6 million square kilometers of triangular sea area between Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. It is an important area for us to implement the 21st century "Maritime Silk Road" initiative. It is also the global center of marine biodiversity, home to 370 million people who depend on marine ecosystems for their livelihoods and food sources. It is also the area with the most serious microplastic pollution in the world. Limited by economic and scientific research conditions, large-scale and systematic basic surveys of marine microplastic pollution and influence on the ecology have not yet been carried out. Hence, the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, together with the Indonesian Research Center for Oceanography, the University of the Philippines, the University of Papua New Guinea and other scientific research institutions, carried out a comprehensive survey in the "Coral Triangle" sea area to systematically analyze the current distribution and changing trends of marine microplastic pollution in this area. The in-situ measurement and research provide a scientific basis for the local government to grasp the distribution and pollution level of microplastics in their territory. By studying the quantity and shape characteristics of microplastics in representative fish and shellfish in this area, the potential impact of microplastics on the biological safety of marine fish and shellfish is revealed, and a theoretical basis is provided for ensuring the food and biological security of neighboring countries. By isolating microbial strains, screening microorganisms that can effectively degrade plastic particles, and obtaining high-degradation activity "enzyme weapons" to reduce plastics, promote industrial application demonstrations, and provide technical support and solutions for the prevention and control of microplastic pollution in the region. The implementation of this project will effectively promote the improvement of the scientific research.