Micro-Investigators Microplastics Citizen Science in New Zealand
Micro-Investigators microplastics citizen science is a community-based initiative in
Aotearoa New Zealand that works with schools and local groups to monitor microplastic pollution in
rivers, streams, and coastal environments.
Based in Murihiku / Southland, the project combines environmental education with hands-on monitoring,
enabling participants to collect real-world data while building awareness of plastic pollution
pathways and impacts at local and regional scales.
Program purpose and approach
The Micro-Investigators program is designed to make microplastics monitoring accessible to schools and
community groups by using simple, transparent sampling and observation methods. These activities support
environmental literacy while contributing to broader discussions about freshwater and coastal pollution.
- Student- and community-led sampling of waterways
- Education-focused methods suitable for classroom and field settings
- Public sharing of results through maps, photos, and summaries
- Connection of local observations to global microplastics research
Why community monitoring matters
- Broader coverage: Community participation increases the spatial reach of monitoring
beyond what professional programs alone can achieve. - Environmental stewardship: Involving young people builds long-term awareness and
responsibility for freshwater and coastal ecosystems. - Transparency and engagement: Open sharing of observations helps communicate the
presence of microplastics to the wider public. - Local relevance: Sampling focuses on waterways that communities interact with daily.
Get involved
Schools, educators, and community groups interested in participating or learning more can visit the Micro-Investigators contact page.
Additional project information is available on the official Micro-Investigators website.
Related resources
For complementary approaches to plastic pollution monitoring, see our Plastiverse resources on
riverbank macroplastic monitoring frameworks and ISO standards for microplastics analysis.