Wim Pyl’s Starboard Blue Expedition: Unveiling Microplastics in the Italian Alps

Starboard ambassador Wim Pyl, founder of Mangata Adventure, a Belgium-based organization focused on combining adventure sports with environmental advocacy recently completed a remarkable 5-day SUP expedition in the Italian Alps. Driven by his commitment to environmental conservation, Pyl set out to explore the highest alpine lakes, collecting and analyzing water and snow samples for microplastics. This journey aimed to determine whether these remote, seemingly pristine lakes have been affected by plastic pollution. Supported by Starboard Blue, the environmental arm of Starboard, Pyl’s expedition underscores the ongoing need to address plastic contamination and its impact on even the most isolated environments.

Hello Wim! What inspired you to undertake this unique stand-up paddle expedition in the Alps?

The idea of paddleboarding on the highest, most inaccessible alpine lakes has been a persistent dream of mine. These remote lakes, untouched by human activity, seemed like pristine pools, and I wanted to explore their purity. But the venture wasn’t just about the thrill of paddling; it was about understanding the reality of these waters. Have they remained as untouched as we imagine, or have they been impacted by the same plastic pollution that plagues so many of our lakes, rivers, and oceans?

What was the main objective of this expedition?

The primary goal was to collect water and snow samples from these alpine lakes and analyze them for microplastics. It’s crucial to determine whether these supposedly pristine environments are truly free from human contamination. The results could provide insight into how microplastics are potentially entering our atmosphere and, consequently, our drinking water.

How did you prepare for such a challenging expedition?

Preparation was intense. We needed to carry not only our SUP boards and camping gear but also specialized equipment for collecting samples. This included glass bottles and filters to avoid contamination. The logistics were tough—balancing the weight and ensuring the safety of our samples was a big challenge. I even consulted with experts at CMK Bitelab, Hasselt University in Belgium, to learn how to collect the samples accurately under these extreme conditions.

What were some of the major challenges you faced during the expedition?

The journey was far from easy. The alpine environment posed numerous challenges, from steep climbs and unpredictable weather to the difficulty of transporting heavy gear. On Day 2, we faced thick snow and frozen lakes, making it almost impossible to paddle. On Day 4, heavy rain, snow, and strong winds battered our campsite, testing our resolve. But perhaps the most disheartening moment was finding a plastic bottle at Lago Nero, a lake at 2,300 meters. It was a stark reminder that no place is truly untouched by plastic pollution.

How did the local environment and weather conditions impact your journey?

The weather in the Alps was unpredictable and harsh. One moment, we were paddling under clear skies; the next, we were battling snow and rain. These conditions made the trek more difficult and sometimes forced us to make tough decisions, like abandoning a climb or retreating early for safety. The snow also complicated our sampling efforts, as some lakes were frozen, making direct water collection impossible. In such cases, we resorted to collecting snow, hoping it could still yield useful data.

What did the samples reveal about the presence of microplastics in these remote alpine lakes?

The samples we collected, including water, snow, and filtered substances, were analyzed by the team at Bitelab, Hasselt University. While I don’t have the complete lab results yet, finding visible plastic waste in such a remote location already suggests that microplastics could indeed be present. This discovery is concerning because it implies that microplastics are likely being transported through the atmosphere and deposited even in these isolated environments. This has serious implications for our drinking water and the overall health of our ecosystems.

How does this expedition tie into your broader mission and the work of Starboard Blue?

My mission has always been to raise awareness about plastic pollution, especially in our waterways. This expedition is part of that ongoing effort. Through adventures like this, I aim to inspire others to take action in protecting our environment. Starboard Blue, the environmental arm of SESTAR Group, shares this mission. They’ve been instrumental in promoting sustainability in the watersports industry, and together, we hope to highlight the urgent need to address the global issue of plastic pollution, whether it’s in the ocean or the highest alpine lakes.

Wim Pyl’s expedition underscores the far-reaching impact of plastic pollution, even in the most remote corners of the world. His work, in collaboration with Starboard Blue, serves as a vital reminder that no environment is immune to human impact, and it is up to us to take action to protect our planet.

For more information on Starboard Blue:
blue.star-board.com