About Atlas of Ocean Microplastics

The Atlas of Ocean Microplastics is a global database documenting microplastic distribution in marine environments. The Japanese Ministry of the Environment developed this resource to consolidate monitoring data from international researchers, institutes, and governments. It synthesizes observational evidence on microplastic occurrence across ocean regions.

The atlas displays survey data through interactive 2D maps showing measurement locations and particle density distributions. Researchers input field observations, laboratory results, and monitoring records into the platform. The system visualizes spatial patterns of microplastic contamination at regional and global scales.

Key Features

• Also includes survey point locations from multiple research campaigns worldwide.
• Furthermore, the database displays particle density distribution maps for different ocean regions.
• In addition, users can access raw monitoring and observational data from international contributors.
• Additionally, the platform integrates data from research institutes and governmental monitoring programs.

Access and Data

The Atlas of Ocean Microplastics operates as an open-access resource with publicly available data. Researchers worldwide can contribute observations and access existing datasets at https://aomi.env.go.jp/. The open data approach enables cross-institutional collaboration on understanding microplastic occurrence in marine systems.