At this point, ocean plastics and microplastic have been tentpole topics surrounding the health of our seas and freshwater sources. Recently, Suzuki Marine announced an exciting development, a microplastic filter that will be fit to new outboards, passively removing microplastics while boats are underway. Check out the press release from Suzuki Marine below to learn more!
From Suzuki Marine:
“Leading innovator Suzuki Marine is actively testing its new micro-plastics filter device and is moving closer to making this product available to boaters across the United States and around the world. This device is but one part of the company’s larger Clean Oceans Project initiative, through which Suzuki is applying its technical expertise, resources, and manpower to help make a positive impact on aquatic environments worldwide.
Previewed to the world’s boating industry in Fall 2020 as the first micro-plastics collection device designed for installation on outboard motors, Suzuki has continued to test and refine this product, which has the power to make Suzuki owners part of the solution to the global challenge of micro-plastics pollution. Filter systems have arrived in the United States and are currently being tested on vessels stationed at the new Suzuki Marine USA Technical Center in Panama City, Florida.
The plan is to test run the filters on these engines and document their effectiveness in collecting various types of micro-plastics pollution. Micro-plastic pollution is created when bottles, bags, wrappers, and other trash thrown into the ocean are broken down into smaller and smaller pieces by the sun, salt water, and wave action.
While micro-plastic particles are tiny — smaller than 5mm as defined by N.O.A.A. — they present a huge environmental challenge for aquatic environments and animals. Not only are these particles hard to detect and remove, but they are also often ingested by turtles, fish and other sea creatures, causing harm and even death.
You can read more about the exciting innovation, here!
