To mark the 10th anniversary of the Plastic Pirates initiative, sampling activities were carried out on the island of Rügen for the first time. Working in different groups, students used scientific methods to investigate plastic pollution on the island’s beaches. Their aim was to contribute to research into plastic pollution across Europe.

Plastic Pirates Set Sail for Rügen

The activities began at Schaprode beach, where Year 10 students from the Regional School in Gingst conducted their investigations. The following day, a Year 6 class from the CJD Christophorusschule Sellin examined a section of beach in Sellin. Both locations are situated in ecologically significant areas. Schaprode lies near the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park, while Sellin is located within the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve.

The students were guided by Mandy Hinzmann and Hannah Brunkhorst from Ecologic Institute, as well as Janto Schönberg and Sinja Dittmann from the Kiel Science Outreach Lab (Kieler Forschungswerkstatt). The project coordinator, a marine biologist and a team of rangers from Rügen also accompanied the investigations. Working in groups, the students explored various research questions relating to plastic pollution and documented their findings. The data collected were then discussed and reviewed together.

Learning About Marine Litter Through Hands-On Research

At Sellin beach, the younger participants began with a beach-themed memory game to prepare for the sampling activities. They searched for typical beach finds, such as stones and shells, helping them develop a sharper eye for the natural environment and potential litter. The ranger also explained the effects of plastic waste on wildlife and coastal ecosystems. Illustrative photographs showed the dangers marine animals face from plastic pollution and the potential consequences for the wider ecosystem.

Turning Local Discoveries into European Research Data

The good weather contributed to the success of both sampling days. The activities also provided opportunities to exchange ideas with local stakeholders, including the harbour in Schaprode, as well as tourists. At the same time, the students gained first-hand experience of scientific research in practice. The data collected on Rügen will subsequently be added to the Plastic Pirates database and displayed on a digital map.

The anniversary sampling activities on Rügen were a great success. They combined hands-on scientific research with environmental education and offered new perspectives on the coastlines of Germany’s largest island.