PLASMA - Microplastic pollution of the Mayotte lagoon

The project PLASMA (Pollution aux microplastiques du lagon de Mayotte) is a multidisciplinary project that began in 2022. It is funded by the Mayotte Marine Park and aims to gain a better understanding of the state of microplastic pollution in what is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful lagoons (in terms of both quantity and dynamics), as well as the effects of these micropollutants on the environment (fauna, marine flora, coral, etc.). Modelling work has shown the existence of areas of accumulation (particularly in the Ironi Bé sector and Boueni Bay) and, conversely, areas of dispersion. In addition, a participatory science approach has been taken to better understand the origin of these microplastics and to raise awareness of the consequences of their presence, first in river water and then in the lagoon. Pupils from Mayotte's lower and upper secondary schools became budding researchers, taking samples (and counting) of microplastics in the river near their school; they also carried out ethnographic surveys on the banks of the rivers concerned, to find out more about the local people's attachment to the area, their daily use of the river and their relationship with waste. This short film provides a pictorial summary of all this work. The project will continue until 2026, with the construction of a parliament for the Ourouveni river as a novel experiment in shared governance of water resources in Mayotte.