Nurdle Free Lanka
Volunteer Campaign Against Plastic Pellets
Objective: Remove all nurdles from the shorelines of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is facing the worst marine environmental disaster due to the two-week inferno of the MV X-Press Pearl which has partially sunk off the coast of the Western Province of the Island. Large amounts of hazardous chemicals and billions of plastic pellets/ nurdles have spilt into the sea while a significant oil spill looms as the vessel lays stricken on shallow waters battered by heavy monsoon ocean currents. The pollution caused by the toxic cargo is visibly impacting the marine environment and the shorelines of Sri Lanka. While many of the nurdles are still floating on the sea, shorelines stretching from Mannar to Hambanthota are seen littered with pre-production pellets of most plastic items. Nurdles are detrimental to marine animals who mistake them for food and ingest them. These nurdles can absorb the pollutants in the water and become toxic, posing the risk of those toxins bioaccumulating in marine animals and passing throughout the food chain. Consumption by humans could potentially lead to health hazards that are still being studied.
The Pearl Protectors, which is a youth-led marine conservation organization in Sri Lanka is spearheading coordinated efforts to mitigate the pollution caused due to the nurdle pollution. ‘Nurdle Free Lanka’ intends to collect all nurdles which lay stricken on the shorelines of Sri Lanka by using various nurdle collecting apparatus, volunteer mobilizations, shoreline surveying and involving coastal communities in long term mitigation efforts. The Pearl Protectors along with mandated agencies, partners, patrons and volunteer organizations intends to target coastlines that are most impacted by nurdles and collect the nurdles using trommel technology, large scale sieving, and handheld sieving. Collected nurdles will be handed over to the authorities. The total duration of the clean-up campaign was initially intended to be three months starting 6th July 2021, but due to the extent of the nurdle spill, the first stage took three months, the second stage took six months and the extended stage is currently ongoing.
Safety precautions and marine debris handling guidelines will be adhered to during the remediation process. The cleanup events will comply with health and safety guidelines and adhere to any regulations in place by the government.
Volunteers are required to wear protective gear. Clear and mandated briefings and information on step-by-step cleaning processes will be disseminated prior to commencement. Volunteers will be provided with all necessary cleaning tools and adequate knowledge on proper segregation and safe disposal methods of the waste. A volunteer control center intends to collect survey data in determining the shorelines for cleaning. Cleaning apparatus will be placed in all beach stretches initially through the pilot project initiation. The apparatus tools will be available for volunteer teams to use where once used for cleaning; a volunteer survey will retrieve data on the collected quantity of nurdles.
Advocate
The MV X-Press Pearl maritime disaster spilled an estimated 75 billion plastic pellets into Sri Lankan waters, causing the largest nurdle spill that the world has seen thus far.
Being lightweight and buoyant, the pellets have spread across the western, southern and northwestern coasts, turning Sri Lanka’s picturesque beaches into wastelands. In due course, this is bound to become a regional problem as the pellets could make landfall in other Indian Ocean countries.
Currently, there are no legislative and regulatory provisions to address plastic pellets in Sri Lanka. Although Sri Lanka is a signatory to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes, the Annexes from I to VI of MARPOL have not yet been fully incorporated into parliamentary legislation.
The advocacy petition calls for the issuance of domestic regulations to control plastic pellets in Sri Lanka, formulation of a contingency plan to effectively contain plastic pellet spills from ships and the effective incorporation of MARPOL into parliamentary legislation.
Segmentation of the Campaign
Pilot initiation at Wellawatta and Mt. Lavinia shorelines
Wellawatta, Mt. Lavinia, Dehiwala, Galle Face, Galkissa, Rathmalana, Lunawa, Dehiwala Canal, Modara, Angulana, Crow Island, and/or donate some of the apparatus packages to the armed forces in cleaning efforts
Wellawatta, Mt. Lavinia, Dehiwala, Galle Face, Galkissa, Rathmalana, Lunawa, Dehiwala Canal, Modara, Angulana, Crow Island, Preethipura, Dikkowita, Uswetakeiyawa, Moratuwella, Panadura, Wadduwa, Pothupitiya, Kaluthara, Katukurunda, Beruwala, Moragalla, and/or donate some of the apparatus packages to the armed forces in cleaning efforts
Southern and Western province (locations to be determined)
- The initial timeframe of the campaign is 3 months with a possible extension based on the requirements
- Selection of apparatus sieving tools will be donated to the armed forces who are diligently supporting in the cleaning of the shorelines.
- The campaign is subjected to pause, or halt based on the circumstances or if achievable goals are met.
- Patron benefits will be provided based on first come, first serve basis due to the urgency of the campaign.
The Nurdle Portal
Nurdle Portals
- Jetwing Blue
- Heritance Negombo
- Pledge Scape
Equipment
- 1 Trommel
- 5 Handheld sieves are available
Once complete, return the nurdle waste bags to the nurdle portal near Pledge Scape and inform by sending a text to +94716355865.
Return the sieves to the original Nurdle Portal.
Nurdle Portals
- Galle Face
- Kinross Swimming Club
- The Station Restaurant
Equipment
- 1 Trommel
- 3 Handheld sieves (Kinross and The Station)
- 1 Hanging sieve (The Station)
Once complete, return the nurdle waste bags and equipment to the nurdle portal.
Nurdle Portals
- Mount Lavinia Coast Guard
- Mount Lavinia Coast Guards - South
- Mount Lavinia Hotel
Equipment
- Trommel sieve (1 x Mount Lavinia Hotel & Mount Lavinia Coast Guards, 3 x Mount Lavinia Coast Guards - South)
- Handheld sieves (2 x Mount Lavinia Hotel & Mount Lavinia Coast Guards, 3 x Mount Lavinia Coast Guards - South)
- Hanging sieve (10 x Mount Lavinia Coast Guards)
Once complete, return the nurdle waste bags and equipment to the nurdle portal.
Nurdle Portals
- Egoda Uyana Police Station
Equipment
- 3 Handheld sieves
- 1 Hanging sieve
Once complete, return the nurdle waste bags and equipment to the nurdle portal and inform by sending a text to +94716355865.
Nurdle Portals
- Midigama
- Kabalana
Equipment
- Handheld sieves (20 x Midigama, 10 x Kabalana)
Please contact Emanuel on +94777702528 to borrow the equipment for Midigama or WhatsApp Zeltia on +34679957030 to borrow the sieves for Kabalana
Each of the designated locations will have 1 hanging sieve, 1 trommel sieve, 10 handheld sieves.
Volunteer distribution: 30 handheld sieves to be utilized during volunteer mobilization events to micro mitigate nurdle pollution
Sieving Tools
The hanging sieve was designed uniquely through The Pearl Protectors after observing the functionality of a construction sieve and including aspects of user friendly and ease of mobility. The sieve has a carrying capacity of up to 15 shovel sand loads while requires physical force to shake the sieve tray which is hanging over the metal load frame. The bottom of the tray is constructed using an aluminum mesh which filters and nurdles from the sand. While the sand is filtered to the bottom, the nurdles can be collected and moved into a waste collector. The tray is freely hanging onto the load frame by four chains fixed to the corners.
The hanging sieve has a capacity to sieve nurdles within 30 seconds which can be scooped out using plastic scoops. The complete tool set will include one shovel, one bucket, seven gunny bags, two plastic scoops and gloves.
The trommel sieve was inspired by the generic sieving tools used during the 2012 nurdle spill in Hong Kong. The trommel sieve requires two individuals for its functionality where one person rotates the trommel using a handle while another shovels in sand. The trommel is fixed to a mobile and light weight metal frame which can be moved along the beach to the desired location. Once in use, the rotating trommel sieves the sand while collecting the nurdles at the bottom corner where a collection bag can be fixed in. The trommel is subjected to further adjustments to increase efficiency and mobility.
The trommel sieve has the capacity of continually sieving nurdles while sand is being added in. The complete tool set will include one shovel, one bucket, seven gunny bags, and gloves.
Two types of handheld sieves have been designed for more precise, on location nurdle cleaning. Both models can be used by an individual while can be hand carried. Each model has the capacity to sieve a shovel load of sand within 20 seconds while the collected nurdles can easily be deposited to a collection bag. Large scale production of the handheld sieves would provide the opportunity to distribute these models along the coastal populations and amongst volunteers. The sieves are designed in a method which provides ease in holding and physically shaking the sand on the tray while provides adequate section to hang the sieve when not in use.
Considering the buoyancy of nurdles, filtering nurdles through water has been considered an effective sieving method. The campaign has utilized specialized water basins where nurdles mixed with sand, seashells, biodegradable waste and microplastic can be added in where nurdles along with microplastic is separated.
Pollution Variation Surveying
Constant survey data input is essential in making the campaign impactful. While billions of plastic pellets are still floating on sea, ocean currents and wind patterns make the pellets nurdles drift towards the shoreline. Much of the variations of pollution can be determined based on hightide, strong wind patterns and monsoon behavior. The pollution survey intends to gather data based on the above variables and input the collected data towards effective volunteer mobilization activities across the shorelines. The initial surveys will be conducted across the coastlines of Western Province.
Every week we conducted a pollution survey to determine the nurdle cleaning sites for the volunteer mobilization. Our team went to 20 sampling locations with high nurdle pollution to do the cleanup. These 20 locations represent the majority of the beaches along the Western coast of Sri Lanka.
The survey team uses a 15 cm × 15 cm sampling quadrat and places it on the beach on the nurdles.
The team collects data from three locations on a specific beach, including high, medium, and low pollution with nurdles. They take high-resolution photographs of the sampling site and then calculate the number of nurdles in a quadrate. The three photographs from a specific location are considered, and the average number of nurdles is calculated. The sites with a high number of nurdles are considered for nurdle cleaning on Sunday.
Live updates of surveyed data will be shared through The Pearl Protectors social media and web page.
Volunteer Mobilization
The Pearl Protectors will mobilize its volunteers along with volunteers from partnered organizations in eradicating the nurdles from the shorelines. Eleven mobilization activities are intended to progress during the campaign where targeted coastlines with high density of nurdles are identified and treated. Volunteers will be provided necessary information, equipment, safety gear, food/refreshments, and recognition for volunteering. The campaign intends to partner with volunteer organizations and youth groups to assist with collecting the shoreline nurdles.
All nurdles will be collected and handed over to the authorities at MEPA with strict guidelines as to avoid any contaminations. All volunteers will be instructed on the correct health and safety guidelines that should be observed when collecting nurdles.
Additionally, nurdle collecting competitions will be conducted in order to reward larger collections while including in the aspects of enjoyment and entertainments.
Partnering volunteer organizations will receive visibility and promotional credit through the campaign if significant source of volunteers can be mobilized through the said organization.
Volunteer Mobilizations Gallery
Volunteer Organization Campaign Commitments
- Participate in at least five of eleven volunteer events under the campaign which will take place predominantly during a weekend during the next three months
- Commit to at least ten volunteers from your organization during each of the agreed events
- Be responsible for the safety and the wellbeing of the volunteers of your organization during the volunteer event
- Communicate efficiently with the liaising Campaign Coordinator on event updates, event media and any queries or concerns.
With above commitments agreed upon, the volunteer organization will be recognized as a partner of the Nurdle Free Lanka campaign where organizational logo will be displayed on the official campaign webpage, any press releases, and any relevant promotions. Interested organizations are invited to send an email to wave@pearlprotectors.org showing interest to partner.
Impact
The campaign has collected over one tonne of nurdles since July while mobilizing over 1000 volunteers. The Nurdle Free Lanka campaign is the largest volunteer campaign conducted in Sri Lanka. The initiative is also one of the largest and the longest running volunteer campaigns globally. Passionate volunteers from all walks of life from The Pearl Protectors, partnered volunteer organizations, local communities & youth groups, and businesses & corporations came together to return the shorelines of Sri Lanka to its pristine stage.
| Mobilisation | Date | Location | Volunteers | Nurdles Collected (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11-07-2021 | Mount Lavinia (Shore by O) | 35 | 61.0 kg |
| 2 | 18-07-2021 | Mount Lavinia (Shore by O) | 200 | 327.0 kg |
| 3 | 25-07-2021 | Mount Lavinia (Ranweli Beach Resort) | 216 | 293.0 kg |
| 4 | 01-08-2021 | Mount Lavinia (Ranweli Beach Resort) | 168 | 144.0 kg |
| 5 | 08-08-2021 | Moratuwa (Egoda Uyana) | 21 | 35.0 kg |
| 6 | 15-08-2021 | Moratuwella | 8 | 12.0 kg |
| 7 | 10-10-2021 | Moratuwella | 50 | 22.0 kg |
| 8 | 17-10-2021 | Moratuwa (Egoda Uyana) | 50 | 15.0 kg |
| 9 | 24-10-2021 | Galle Face | 72 | 60.0 kg |
| 10 | 31-10-2021 | Mount Lavinia (Ranweli Beach Resort) | 57 | 31.0 kg |
| 11 | 07-11-2021 | Wellewatta | 61 | 44.0 kg |
| 12 | 14-11-2021 | Negombo | 147 | 78.0 kg |
| 13 | 19-11-2021 | Moratuwella | 5 | 28.0 kg |
| 14 (MAS Kreeda) | 28-11-2021 | Moratuwella | 15 | 4.0 kg |
| 15 (University of Kelaniya) | 04-12-2021 | Negombo | 211 | 30.0 kg |
| 16 | 18-12-2021 | Negombo | 89 | 100.0 kg |
| Zeltia | 05-01-2022 | Midigama | 5 | 7.0 kg |
| Rotaract Club of Saegis Campus & RI | 08-01-2022 | Mount Lavinia (Shore by O) | 29 | 4.0 kg |
| 17 | 30-01-2022 | Mount Lavinia (Ranweli Beach Resort) | 26 | 3.0 kg |
| 18 | 06-02-2022 | Midigama | 25 | 7.0 kg |
| 19 | 27-02-2022 | Negombo | 30 | 13.0 kg |
| St. Josephs College Scouts | 05-03-2022 | Mount Lavinia (Shore by O) | 10 | 10.0 kg |
| Rotaract Club of SJP | 17-03-2022 | Negombo | 40 | 22.0 kg |
| STAX | 20-03-2022 | Mount Lavinia (Shore by O) | 30 | 3.5 kg |
| 20 | 23-04-2022 | Negombo | 30 | 10.5 kg |
| Cinnamon Grand | 20-04-2022 | Mount Lavinia (Shore by O) | 19 | 11.0 kg |
| Rotaract Club of Athugalpura | 01-05-2022 | Negombo | 36 | 50.0 kg |
| 21 | 22-05-2022 | Negombo | 31 | 25.0 kg |
| Interact Club of Visakha Vidyalaya | 09-06-2022 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Shore by O) | 16 | 2.3 kg |
| MAS Kreeda | 11-06-2022 | Negombo (Jetwing Blue) | 35 | 12.0 kg |
| MAS Active & University of Colombo | 17-06-2022 | Mount Lavinia & Dehiwala Beach | 36 | 4.2 kg |
| Daraz | 24-06-2022 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Shore by O) | 36 | 3.0 kg |
| Ilma International School | 26-06-2022 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Shore by O) | 50 | 2.3 kg |
| MAS Intimates | 29-06-2022 | Negombo | 44 | 17.0 kg |
| 22 | 31-07-2022 | Negombo (Jetwing Blue) | 40 | 5.0 kg |
| Standard Chartered | 19-08-2022 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Shore by O) | 83 | 3.5 kg |
| EY-GDS | 27-08-2022 | Negombo (Jetwing Blue) | 43 | 7.4 kg |
| Dimo Lanka | 10-09-2022 | Negombo | 64 | 10.0 kg |
| St. Josephs College Scouts | 17-09-2022 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Shore by O) | 26 | 2.0 kg |
| 23 | 18-09-2022 | Negombo (Jetwing Blue) | 29 | 7.0 kg |
| MAS Methliya | 28-09-2022 | Negombo | 140 | 16.0 kg |
| Codegen International | 29-10-2022 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Shore by O) | 25 | 3.7 kg |
| 24 | 16-11-2022 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Boat Haus) | 27 | 5.0 kg |
| 25 | 13-11-2022 | Waikal Beach | 31 | 11.5 kg |
| Interact 3220 (Magnolia) | 24-11-2022 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Boat Haus) | 70 | 5.0 kg |
| MAS Kreeda | 26-11-2022 | Waikal Beach | 42 | 40.0 kg |
| Interact 3220 (GreenCon) | 27-11-2022 | Negombo (Heritance Beach) | 112 | 23.0 kg |
| Cinnamon Grand | 30-11-2022 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Boat Haus) | 15 | 2.0 kg |
| 26 | 28-05-2023 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Boat Haus) | 35 | 5.0 kg |
| Ilma International School | 18-16-2023 | Mount Lavinia Beach (Boat Haus) | 18 | 3.0 kg |
| 27 | 06-08-2023 | Negombo | 54 | 4.0 kg |
| Nurdle Portals | 70.0 kg |
Campaign Funding
The Estimated total funding requirement of the Nurdle Free Lanka Campaign is Rs 3,506,000.00.
The funding will be separated based on Apparatus Tools Packages, Promotions/Awareness, Volunteer mobilizations, and Pollution Surveys. The campaign will be separated into three stages based on efficiency, impact and time duration.
Please email us at wave@pearlprotectors.org for more information on donating towards the campaign or being a patron
Funding and donations can be directed to:
Account Name: The Pearl Protectors
Account Number: 109261005455
Bank Name: Sampath Bank PLC
Branch Name: Maharagama Super – 092
Swift Code: BSAMLKLX
Please email us at wave@pearlprotectors.org to share the logo/receipt.
Entities can become a Patron of the Campaign with additional visibility benefits.
Campaign Funding Initiatives
- Friends of the Pearl – They are four Sri Lankan friends (Klara, Debbie, Natasha and Ranitri) who are based in New York City. In response to the MV X-Press Pearl disaster, they banded together to spread the word and raise funds from their friends.
- Tavish Gunasena @tavishgunasena – Tavish is a fine art and documentary photographer from Colombo. He is fixated with depicting the entanglement between humans and their natural, constructed, and virtual environments. Tavish is conducting a flash print sale where 100% of the proceeds minus print charge will go towards the campaign.
- Naomi Pieris – Pearl Protector Party – Naomi and Ronan, based in London have been supporting Pearl Protectors since the MV X-Press Pearl Disaster. Together with their friends came together on the 16th October to dance, raise awareness and funds towards the campaign. @innertotality
Patrons
Exclusive Patrons
Campaign Patrons
Supporting Patrons
Volunteer Partners
Social Media Updates
