JAMSTEC reported on the latest investigation report of marine plastics research project in collaboration with Japan-Palau Goodwill Yacht Race, at the 10th JAPAN FAIR held by the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Palau on February 9, 2020.
Dr. Sanae Chiba from the project team explained about the overview of the research project, and reported on the latest result of analysis.

UNEP-WCMC Releases Video of 2019-2020 Japan-Palau Goodwill Yacht Race Project on February 11 International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2020

Japan-Palau Goodwill Yacht Race Awards Ceremony was held in Palau on January 15th. Dr. Sakaguchi rushed from JAMSTEC and presented letters of appreciation to TREKKEE, who conducted a microplastic survey while participating in the yacht race, and to MIRAIE, who conducted the microplastic survey & marine literacy program. Three leaders also reported on the microplastic survey at MIRAIE to participants such as the President of Palau, the Palau Ambassador to Japan, and the Japanese Ambassador to Palau.

At 1:00 PM, the sailing ship MIRAIE, with her team researching marine plastics aboard, left Yokohama Port escorting the race yacht TREKKEE. On board is the research team, consisting of three women from different organizations: JAMSTEC Senior Scientist Sanae Chiba, Holly Griffin of UNEP-WCMC and Yurie Seki of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. In addition, six Palauan children also are aboard the MIRAIE and are conducting the research together during their approximately two-week sea journey.
In addition, for the period of the race, the TREKKEE also has been equipped with a microplastic sampler so as to conduct sampling survey.

On December 27th, six Palauan children and their families visited JAMSTEC. On the 28th, in Hakkeijima, Yokohama City, they participated in a race with small yachts called “Optimists,” and are very excited about the Japan-Palau Goodwill Yacht Race this year. With the research team on the MIRAIE, they are watching over the race. While sailing, in addition to investigating marine plastics with the research team, they are going to participate in an oceanic education program.
On this day, at the JAMSTEC Yokosuka Headquarters, in addition to attending a lecture regarding the investigation on marine plastics, they also visited the anchored research ship and exhibition facilities.

On the MIRAIE, anchored at the JAMSTEC Yokosuka Headquarters, preparations for the Marine Plastics Research Project have begun. The leader of the research team is Dr. Sanae Chiba, Ph.D. (Fisheries Science), whose research focuses on marine plastics. The race takes place for approximately 2 weeks around the turn of the year, and as they are out in the open water this time, there are countless things to do on land in preparation. Each day is packed with tasks in preparation for the start of the race on the 29th, beginning with the preparation of research equipment and research team meetings.

On the 24th, ahead of the weekend of the race, the MIRAIE, fresh after repairs, made a port call at the JAMSTEC Yokosuka Headquarters. Finally, full-scale preparations for the Microplastic Research Project have begun.