Nurdle Patrol is a citizen science project led by the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Our mission is to track plastic pellet pollution (commonly called nurdles) across coastlines and waterways, remove them from the environment, and raise public awareness about this growing issue.
The project was launched in November 2018 after a significant nurdle spill resulted in tens of thousands of plastic pellets washing up along Mustang Island and North Padre Island, Texas. What began as a local response has since grown into a community-driven, international effort that empowers volunteers to take part in monitoring and protecting their own shorelines.
At the Harte Research Institute (HRI), we conduct science with purpose—bringing together researchers, policy-makers, landowners, and the public to drive informed decisions that protect our coasts, improve water quality, and support sustainable use of natural resources. Nurdle Patrol is a powerful example of how community science can fuel change at both local and policy levels.
Anyone can be a nurdle patroller. By conducting simple 10-minute surveys and submitting the number of pellets found through our website or mobile app, participants help us map out pollution hotspots. This growing database is used by scientists, legislators, and environmental groups to advocate for solutions and prevent future spills.
Whether you're an individual, school, nonprofit, or business, your participation matters. Every nurdle you find and remove helps keep plastic pollution out of marine ecosystems and wildlife.
If you’re passionate about clean coasts and healthy oceans, we invite you to join Nurdle Patrol. Together, we can build a cleaner, more sustainable future for the oceans, river, lakes, and beyond.
