A young team of researchers is coming to help raise awareness of the tiny microbeads of plastic polluting our oceans.

The four-strong team from Plastic Tides was on the Island last year highlighting the “rampant plastic pollution” in the ocean and its impact on Bermuda’s marine life.

This year the focus is on the polythene microspheres widely used in cosmetics, skin care and personal care industries that gather in Bermuda’s inshore waters.

The group likes to incorporate adventure into research and plan to circumnavigate the Island on stand up paddleboards.

Plastic Tides’ team leader Christian Shaw said: “In June 2014 we circumnavigated Bermuda on stand-up paddleboards (SUP’s) to battle plastic pollution. Now we’re coming back to take up the fight against plastic microbeads. By combining research, media, and outreach we will confront this issue head-on.”

During its trip the team will carry out school visits, hold an awareness paddling rally and give a number of presentations. Researchers will also screen their documentary at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute as well as other venues, and are pushing for a ban on the use of microbeads.

The team has produced three parts of a four-part documentary series and episode 4 will be released next month.

Team members will be collaborating with Larry Fox from Surf SUP Bermuda to organise paddling events at Daniel’s Head.

“In addition, we want to carry out a community education campaign and start a legislative push to ban plastic microbeads from cosmetics in Bermuda’s stores.

“We plan to do sampling in Hamilton Harbour and Harrington Sound. We will work with members of the Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce who have identified most products on the Island that contain the beads.

“Then we plan to repeat our circumnavigation of the Island with a larger group in less time.

“We are working with local paddling race organisers, 32Sixtyfour, on a two-day, one-night rally that will give other paddlers a chance to circle the Island while spreading the Plastic Tides message.”

Local company MultiStrat sponsored the trip last year and will sponsor the upcoming visit from April 27 to May 20.

Bob Forness, MultiStrat’s chairman and CEO, said: “Plastic Tides carries out some tremendous work, not just in terms of research, but also in terms of engaging local students, helping them to understand and care about Bermuda’s environment.

“The Coral Beach & Tennis Club is graciously providing the researchers with accommodations and Elbow Beach Cycles will provide scooters during the team’s time in Bermuda.”

For more information contact Plastic Tides at Info@PlasticTides.org