Brannel School

Empowering Cornish Communities Through Ocean Advocacy: Investigating Floating Plastic Debris, Microplastics and Water Quality

St Austell, UK

2nd FUNDING CALL

This initiative involves students in a comprehensive study of plastic and microplastic pollution and water quality by sailing to 10 locations around the Irish and Celtic Seas, including Cornwall, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, over four weeks.

Students will collect samples to analyze pollution levels and compare them across various locations. The project aims to raise awareness about the dangers of microplastics and single-use plastics, encouraging the school and local community to act. Field activities such as beach clean-ups will further engage the community in conservation efforts.

Key objectives of ECCTOA include:

• Conducting comprehensive sampling of microplastics and pollutants.
• Analyzing data to understand pollution distribution and water quality.
• Engaging the community in the data collection process to foster responsibility.
• Raising awareness through educational workshops and outreach programs.
• Empowering students and community members to advocate for policy changes and sustainable practices.

Activities will include sailing expeditions, collaborations with Southwest Water, beach clean-ups, research on plastic pollution impacts, and creating educational content for social media and community outreach. The project also features a Read Aloud Programme, where students will read Sarah Crossnan’s “Weight of Water” to explore the human relationship with water.

Key Activities

1. Microplastics in Our Oceans: Through in school learning, a sailing expedition and real-time sampling, students explore the scale and impact of plastic pollution. Their research will fuel multimedia campaigns designed to inspire our communities to reduce plastic use.

2. Tracking Floating Plastic Debris: While at sea, students log and report large plastic items, contributing data to a tracking tool co-developed with the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth.

3. ‘Weight of Water’ Reading and Awareness Campaign: Literature meets activism in a school-wide reading of The Weight of Water. Students will produce creative works, short films, and presentations to communicate the emotional and environmental impact of ocean pollution.

4. Student Eco-Council: Our student-led Eco-Council will devise and implement strategies to reduce and combat single-use plastic and microplastic contamination locally. This leadership initiative builds advocacy skills and drives real-world impact.

Impact

• Scientific: A comprehensive dataset on ocean pollutants in the Irish and Celtic Seas.
• Social: A powerful sense of ownership, voice, and responsibility among young people.
• Environmental: Actionable recommendations and campaigns aimed at real behavioural change.
• Educational: New skills, knowledge, and confidence in scientific and civic participation.

Through ECCTOA, Brannel School aims to address the correlation between socio-economic status and single-use plastic usage, particularly in Cornwall’s rural and deprived regions. The project will support the school’s goal of becoming an accredited Network of European Blue Schools member by integrating marine conservation into the curriculum, providing hands-on learning experiences, and actively engaging the community in environmental efforts.

By empowering students with scientific knowledge and fostering a sense of responsibility, ECCTOA aspires to create advocates for ocean conservation and inspire a broader societal change toward sustainable practices.