Nurdles are small plastic pellets that are causing a big problem. But citizen scientists are fighting back. In this episode, we talk with Jace Tunnell, Director of the Mission Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, about how the Nurdle Patrol is taking on these problematic pellets, and how you can get involved.

Editor's Note:  The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of 29 coastal sites designated to protect and study estuarine systems. NOAA provides funding and guidance to Mission Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the site is managed by the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. The Nurdle Patrol, which is run by Mission Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, is not directly affiliated with NOAA.

The Nurdle Patrol: Citizen Scientists Fight Pollution, One Pellet at a Time

From corals to coastal science, connect with NOAA experts in our podcast series that explores questions about the ocean environment.

Science

Earth Sciences

With origins tracing back more than 200 years, NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey is in the business of "knowing where things are." In this episode, we go behind the scenes with NGS Director Juliana Blackwell to get an insider perspective on NGS’s history and mission. She also shares her personal experience as the office’s first female director.

Behind the Scenes at NGS

In this episode, we explore how scientists across the National Estuarine Research Reserve System conducted the first-ever North American wildlife inventory of these habitats. We chat with Dr. Kenny Raposa, research coordinator at Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and lead scientist for the study.

Say Cheese: Wetland Wildlife Inventory

When temperatures rise, coral bleaching can occur. In this episode, we explore what happens during bleaching events, how corals are affected, and how we can help protect these important ecosystems. We’re joined by coral expert Dana Wusinich-Mendez, Atlantic and Caribbean team lead, and Florida management liaison for NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program.

Coral Bleaching

In this episode, we revisit a previous podcast on these storm-fueled waves and discuss how they differ from tsunamis. We're joined by Dr. Gregory Dusek, senior scientist with NOAA's National Ocean Service, to discuss his study on meteotsunamis.

Meteotsunamis

When it comes to oil spills and their impacts on marine environments, water and oil don’t mix. In this episode, we chat with an oil spill response expert and share some weird facts about oil and oil contamination.

The Nurdle Patrol: Citizen Scientists Fight Pollution, One Pellet at a Time

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