Global Marine Microplastics Data Collection from NOAA (1972-Present)

NOAA NCEI's marine microplastics data collection aggregates global monitoring data on plastic particles smaller than 5mm. The repository provides open access to this data via a GIS web map and data portal, supporting long-term tracking from 1972 to the present. It aims to standardize and harmonize microplastics data for national and international collaborators.

Use Cases

• Analyze global spatial distribution patterns of microplastics using the GIS web map interface
• Track temporal trends in microplastic pollution from 1972 to present across different marine regions
• Support data standardization and harmonization efforts for international monitoring programs
• Investigate correlations between microplastic occurrence and environmental variables like 'Temperatur' from the tags

Strengths

• Long-term temporal coverage spanning from 1972 to the present
• Global spatial coverage of marine environments
• Data is served via an accessible GIS web map and data portal for discoverability
• Managed by the authoritative NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Limitations

• Specific data structure, column names, and sample size (rows) are unknown from the input
• The provided tags include cryptic alphanumeric codes (e.g., '06nwee', '35f99t') which may complicate direct analysis
• Available file formats (HTML, APPLICATION/VND.SNESDEV-PAGE-TABLE, EXE) suggest potential accessibility or usability hurdles for standard analysis tools

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Aggregated from various research and monitoring efforts into a centralized repository and served via a GIS web map and data portal.

Time Range

1972 to present

Freshness

Last updated on 2026-03-01, indicating recent maintenance.

Geography

Global marine coverage