The Gulf Coast of Texas, where several Nurdle spills have occurred since last fall,
is particularly vulnerable to marine debris.
In a creek next to the facility,
where the small white beads stand out against the darkness of the sediment, Nurdle pollution is obvious.
In February, Fidra, an environmental group based in Scotland,
reported Nurdle pollution in 28 of the 32 countries they surveyed,
from Ecuador to South Africa.
In addition to presentations to his local community, Tunnell visited all five Gulf states
in May to collect samples and expand his Nurdle Patrol program.
In a place like Padre Island, an important ecosystem for nearly 200 species of fish and almost 400 species of birds,
including some endangered, Nurdle pollution is a serious concern.
Surprised at the sheer number of Nurdles on Padre Island last fall,
Tunnell organized a local citizen-scientist group called Nurdle Patrol, in which volunteers survey a beach
or coastal area for 10 minutes and collect as many pellets as they see.
Surprised at the sheer number of Nurdles on Padre Island last fall,
Tunnell organized a local citizen scientist group called Nurdle Patrol, in which volunteers survey a beach
or coastal area for 10 minutes and collect as many pellets as they see.