Up to 14,000 tons of plastic end up in Swiss soil and water every year. Initial studies carried out in Swiss lakes and rivers showed that microplastics were found in each of the examined water and sediment samples.

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More recent studies have even shown the presence of microplastics in snowfall in Swiss mountain regions, which would be an indicator of atmospheric transport and subsequent microplastic deposition.

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​The aim of this study is to provide the first detailed evidence of microplastics (> 0.1mm) in the waters of the Upper Engadine at 1820 meters above sea level.

In general, studies on microplastic measurements are carried out as time-limited measurements (snapshots). 

​Therefore, for our study, samples are taken weekly at the same locations for a period of two months in order to obtain the most accurate picture possible with regard to the occurrence, quantity, size and type of the microplastic.

This planned project will be the first Alpine study of its kind, serving to track the changes in microplastic presence in Alpine waters over a period of time.

Brothers,
daedalus & elphinstone 
& Marsa abu dabbab

red sea, Egypt
05. - 12. may 2022

The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between the continents of Africa and Asia. The Red Sea is renowned for its abundant and colourful coral reefs and remote seamounts that attract large marine megafauna, such as sharks. This shark and ray expedition along the Marine Parks Route (Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone Reef) combines extraordinary diving with lectures and citizen science. 

This expedition is a collaboration with the Red Sea Project. We will collect identification pictures of marine megafauna to support scientific research and help improve local conservation measures.