Our project is poised to answer four research questions: Where do Miami’s currents move water? What are Miami’s marine debris sources? What are the most common types of trash found in Miami's waterways? How can we prevent trash from entering our waterways?
To accomplish this, we use social media to crowdsource hypotheses regarding our research questions. Then drift cards are cut and painted by community members. Once prepared, the drift cards are deployed from five coastal sites. Organized cleanups around the county, in conjunction with partners, are our primary means of collecting the cards. We also deploy GPS drifters to track debris paths. The analyzed data is used for targeting debris hotspots to install educational and interpretive signage. It also provides scientists with data useful for understanding current patterns.
This project was formally known as Trash Detectives.