Families can become microplastics detectives this weekend on the Isle of Wight as Portsmouth University teams up with Wightlink for an educational event highlighting plastic pollution’s impact on marine life and human health.
The Ryde seafront will welcome visitors on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July for hands-on science workshops that transform holidaymakers into environmental investigators exploring one of today’s most pressing ecological challenges.
This family-oriented initiative forms part of the 2025 Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival, designed to educate the public about microplastics – microscopic plastic particles that have infiltrated every aspect of our natural environment, from the atmosphere to our food chain.
The weekend programme includes seagrass meadow surveys, where marine biologists will guide participants through one of Britain’s most significant underwater ecosystems. These coastal habitats serve as crucial wildlife sanctuaries whilst providing natural coastal defence and carbon storage.
Georgios Georgiou from Portsmouth University’s Revolution Plastics Institute explained the urgency: “The amount of plastic produced globally is expected to quadruple by 2050. That means more microplastics in the environment, affecting marine ecosystems, wildlife, and potentially human health. We want to empower the next generation, especially children, to understand the issue and take action.”
Academic specialists from the University’s Revolution Plastics Institute and Institute of Marine Sciences will facilitate interactive experiences for ferry passengers, families and tourists visiting the island.
Event Schedule: 5th and 6th July 2025, Ryde Seafront (beside Western Gardens)
Microplastics Detectives (10am-2pm)
Participants will learn citizen science techniques, discovering how plastic fragments enter marine environments and their environmental consequences. Activities include beach sand sieving to identify plastic particles, observing buoyancy properties, and understanding how household items contribute to ocean contamination. Sessions feature practical alternatives and actionable solutions for everyday life.
Seagrass Survey (10am-2pm)
Wellington boots recommended for this coastal exploration of Britain’s largest seagrass meadows. Participants will learn how these underwater ecosystems protect shorelines, sequester carbon, and support diverse marine life including fish, crabs, seahorses and threatened species.
Community Beach Clean (2pm-3pm)
A collaborative effort to combat pollution through large-scale coastal cleaning. All equipment provided – participants need only bring enthusiasm and reusable water bottles. Collected data will support ongoing scientific research initiatives.
The event supports the broader Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival, celebrating the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. With three-quarters of the island’s terrain and its entire coastline protected for unique habitats, such events play essential roles in conservation education and community involvement.
Portsmouth University houses the Revolution Plastics Institute, where internationally recognised researchers address the global plastics crisis through inclusive, solution-oriented research and innovation.
Wightlink operates as the primary cross-Solent ferry service, transporting 4.3 million passengers annually to and from the Isle of Wight. Their eight vessels complete over 34,000 crossings yearly across three routes.
