Manta trawl
A tool used for collecting surface water samples in marine environments
The manta trawl is a specialized piece of equipment used primarily in marine research to collect samples from the surface layer of water bodies. It is particularly effective for gathering microplastics and other floating debris. The design of the manta trawl allows it to skim the surface of the water, capturing materials in its fine mesh net.
Design and Function[edit | edit source]
The manta trawl is named for its resemblance to a manta ray, with its wide, wing-like structure. It consists of a rectangular frame with two wings that help stabilize it as it is towed behind a vessel. The frame supports a fine mesh net, typically with a mesh size of 333 micrometers, which is designed to capture small particles such as microplastics.
The trawl is towed at the surface of the water, usually at a speed of 2-3 knots, allowing it to collect samples over a specified distance. The wings of the trawl help maintain its position at the surface, while the net collects floating debris.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Manta trawls are widely used in oceanography and environmental science to study the distribution and concentration of microplastics in marine environments. Researchers deploy manta trawls in various locations to gather data on the prevalence of plastic pollution, which is crucial for understanding its impact on marine ecosystems.
The data collected using manta trawls can inform policy decisions and contribute to efforts aimed at reducing plastic pollution. Additionally, manta trawls are used in educational settings to raise awareness about the issue of marine debris.
History[edit | edit source]
The manta trawl was developed by Captain Charles Moore in 1997, following his discovery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Moore's invention was driven by the need for a reliable method to quantify the amount of plastic pollution in the ocean's surface waters.
Limitations[edit | edit source]
While the manta trawl is effective for collecting surface samples, it has limitations. It cannot capture particles that are suspended below the surface or those that are too small to be retained by the net. Additionally, the trawl's effectiveness can be influenced by weather conditions and sea state.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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