Protecting Our Water for Tomorrow
Following Seas is a private foundation that conducts research focused on understanding how humans impact the quality of our inland, coastal, and offshore waterways--and in turn understanding how the quality of our water impacts us as humans. Currently, we are examining microplastics and the microbes that attach to them in the waters of Charleston, SC, with the goal of better understanding the full scope of the global microplastic problem.
The Problem
Plastic products and waste shed harmful microplastics into the marine environment.
The Impact
Microplastics in the environment are consumed by microbes, wildlife, and ultimately humans.
The Solution
Addressing the microplastics problem starts with researching and documenting its scope.
On-the-Water Research
We gather data on microplastics and microbes on the water. These data are critical for understanding the scope of the marine microplastics problem and advocating for change.
Data to Drive Advocacy
We collect, analyze, and publish the data needed to drive advocacy focused on addressing the marine microplastics problem locally, nationally, and globally.
Standardizing Citizen Science
We are using our research practices and data to develop standards for citizen science. Standardization will improve the quality and usefulness of data collected worldwide.
Education and Community Engagement
We publish educational resources and provide educational opportunities to schools and home school groups. We offer community engagement and volunteer opportunties as well.
Join Us
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News
Plastics and Microplastics Are (Almost) Everywhere
Microplastics are a global problem. They are found throughout the world’s offshore and inland waters, from lakes and rivers to beaches and the middle of the ocean. While microplastics are...
Plastics and Microplastics Are (Almost) Everywhere
Plastics and Microplastics Are (Almost) Everywhere
Answers to FAQs
What is Following Seas Marine Impact Research, Inc.?
We are a nonprofit private foundation devoted to researching the scope and impact of the global marine microplastics problem. We conduct on on-the-water data collection and analysis, and we share our research with other organizations that can use them to effect change. We are also available to assist other organizations with conducting other types of on-the-water data collection.
Where are you located?
We are located in Charleston, South Carolina in the United States. We are currently focused on collecting data on South Carolina's inland, coastal, and offshore waterways.
What do you do?
We are currently collecting and analyzing data in order to assess the scope and impact of the global marine microplastics problem. We do this using tools designed specifically for collecting microplastics from the water. We are also working to develop standards for citizen-scientists who are interested in collecting data as well.
What are your goals?
Our short-term goal is to gather the data we need to conduct statistically significant analyses, and then publish our research in scientific journals in addition to sharing it with advocacy organizations through other means. Our long-term goal is to have a meaningful impact on reducing the amount of microplastics in Earth's inland and ocean waters.
How can I support your organization?
You can support our organization by buying our plastic-free products or making a donation through our website. If your company is interested in sponsoring our organization, we offer sponsorship packages as well, and we invite you to contact us for more information.