The Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response Network’s (MEOPAR) newest Fathom Fund research project is seeking community contributions to support turning an invasive species into a global solution to the plastics dilemma. The goal of the project is to create sustainable bio-plastics from the shells of the invasive European green crab and intends to raise $12,500 over the next two months. Once this goal is achieved, the Fathom Fund will provide an additional $37,500.
Fathom Fund, a crowdfunding program, supports high-quality scientific projects that strive to build a better future for our oceans and the communities who depend on them. “With one-third of the world’s plastics ending up in the ocean, sustainable solutions must be found”, said Rodrigo Menafra, Managing Director of MEOPAR. “We are proud to support this important, solutions-focused approach that addresses two marine issues having an impact in Atlantic Canada—invasive species and marine plastic pollution.”
The European green crab is an aggressive invasive species that is causing ecosystems around the world to collapse in areas where it is not native, including Atlantic Canada. At Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, the crabs are destroying eelgrass, which provides critical nursery habitat for marine species, stabilizes marine sediments, and is a primary food for geese. Parks Canada takes actions to preserve national parks and contribute to the recovery of species at risk. As a recognized leader in conservation, Parks Canada and its partners initiated Operation Green Crab. For almost 10 years, green crabs have been removed from coastal waters and there has been a gain of approximately 10 per cent yearly in eelgrass coverage in Little Port Joli in southwestern Nova Scotia.
Parks Canada is supporting the sustainable bioplastics project with $20,000, as well as through in-kind advice and expertise, and is collaborating with McGill University Associate Professor, Audrey Moores. Moores and her team have discovered an innovative way to turn crustacean shells (which are waste once fished) into biodegradable plastics. If successful, the bioplastic will break down under oceanic conditions.
“Not only will this project develop a marine biodegradable plastic, but it will also support the continued recovery of deteriorated coastal ecosystems through the creation of a new industry to sustain coastal fishing communities”, said Audrey Moores, Associate Professor, McGill University.
“By turning the shells of an invasive species into bioplastics, this collaboration between Parks Canada, Professor Moores, and MEOPAR demonstrates the real potential that we have to find innovative ways to improve the health of our ocean and environment. With this project, we are both protecting our waters from invasive species and backing solutions that help us prevent plastic pollution that too often ends up on our coasts. This project that will help protect Kejimkujik National Park Seaside will also support the local economy and communities in Nova Scotia,” said the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margarets.
To donate, learn more, or to monitor fundraising progress, visit: https://www.mcgill.ca/seedsofchange/project/chemistry-degradable-plastics-green-crabs
About Fathom Fund: Fathom Fund is a platform for launching creative, impact-focused scientific research projects that strive to build a better future for the marine environment. Fathom Fund quadruples the money raised through crowdfunding for approved projects up to a maximum of $50,000 for successful applicants.
About MEOPAR: MEOPAR funds research, trains highly-qualified personnel, develops strategic partnerships, and works to support knowledge mobilization in marine challenges and opportunities for the benefit of the Canadian economy and society. As a Network, MEOPAR’s strength lies in its connections—to researchers, partners, organizations, and communities, all of whom have an interest in learning more about the risks and opportunities in the marine environment.
About Dr. Audrey Moores: Dr. Audrey Moores is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Green Chemistry (2007-17) at McGill University, where she started her independent career in 2007. She is a leading expert in the field of catalysis using metal, metal oxide, and biomass-based nanomaterials, with a special emphasis on sustainable processes and use of earth-abundant starting materials.
About Parks Canada: Parks Canada protects and restores our national parks and historic sites; enables people to discover and connect with nature and history; and helps sustain the economic value of these places for local and regional communities. In managing national parks, Parks Canada maintains or restores ecological integrity, and provides Canadians with opportunities to discover and enjoy them. The Agency is among the few national parks systems in the world that have a system-wide ecological integrity monitoring and reporting program, consisting of more than 700 independent scientific measures that inform park-specific priorities and guide investments in conservation.
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