In autumn 2024, the German Plastic Pirates will start a new project on the Danube river system. Europe’s second longest river, with a length of 2,850 kilometres, starts in the Black Forest, and flows through a total of 10 countries before emptying into the Black Sea. The river system includes many important tributaries, such as the Isar, Inn and Lech. The Danube project complements the ongoing analysis of the Elbe river system and the German coastline. The 2024 autumn campaign will focus on gaining further insights into plastic pollution of these water bodies.

How to get involved

School classes and youth groups in the Danube catchment   area are welcome to participate in the next campaign period in autumn 2024. They can collect samples from the Danube itself or from one of its tributaries, such as the Isar, Inn, Lech, Altmühl, and Regen. Additionally, participation is possible at the Elbe river system and along the German coastline.

Teachers and youth groups leaders can download or order the accompanying teaching materials and the project booklet guide free of charge at the Plastic Pirates website. During the sampling campaign participating school classes and youth groups will learn about river ecosystems and plastic waste pollution. They will also learn and practice scientific methods.

What happens to the sample results?

The sample data collected is uploaded to a central online platform and then analysed by the Kiel Science Outreach Lab and the Ecologic Institute. It will also be used to develop appropriate solutions to the plastics crisis. The project is part of the European initiative "Plastic Pirates – Go Europe!" and closely cooperating with other participating countries across Europe.