On a sunny San Diego morning, dozens of dedicated volunteers fanned out across local beaches, parks, and shorelines armed with collection vials, tweezers, and an unwavering commitment to cleaner coasts. The occasion: the 2nd International Plastic Pellet Count — a global citizen-science event that asks communities worldwide to survey, count, and collect nurdles and microplastics from their local environments.
San Diego's turnout was nothing short of inspiring. From seasoned environmental advocates to first-time cleanup participants, the energy on the ground was electric. And the results? Thousands upon thousands of nurdles — those tiny pre-production plastic pellets that escape from industrial supply chains — pulled from the sand before they could reach the sea.
"Every nurdle collected is one less pellet that ends up in a sea turtle's stomach or a seabird's nest."
— NurdleTurtle Community
Patience and precision: volunteers carefully collect individual pellets from soil and vegetation.
Why the Pellet Count Matters
Nurdles are the raw material of nearly all plastic products — tiny lentil-sized pellets melted and molded into everything from water bottles to car parts. An estimated 230,000 tonnes of nurdles spill into the ocean every year through industrial accidents, transport losses, and improper handling. Once in the environment, they absorb toxic chemicals, are mistaken for food by marine life, and persist for centuries.
The International Plastic Pellet Count isn't just a cleanup — it's a data-collection exercise. Every count submitted helps researchers and policymakers understand the scale of pellet pollution, identify hotspots, and build the evidence base for stronger industrial regulations. San Diego's data from this event will contribute to a global picture that's growing clearer with every count.
The scale of the problem up close: nurdles and microplastic fragments mixed into beach sand.
Congratulations, San Diego!
To every volunteer who showed up, got on their hands and knees, and painstakingly collected pellets one by one — thank you. This is exactly the kind of grassroots, science-backed action that NurdleTurtle was built to support and amplify. You are proof that individuals, working together, can make a measurable difference.
We're proud to be part of a community that doesn't just talk about the plastic crisis — it goes out and does something about it. The 2nd International Plastic Pellet Count in San Diego is a milestone worth celebrating, and we can't wait to see what the next one brings.
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