Microplastics in the Surface Ocean is a metric that quantifies the estimated amount of small-scale plastic debris (less than 5mm in size) This data is critical as it provides a snapshot of the extent of ocean pollution due to microplastics, which has significant implications for marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Due to their tiny size, microplastics can be ingested by a wide variety of organisms, from small aquatic invertebrates to birds and even humans. This can lead to physical damage, and because plastics can contain harmful chemicals, it may also cause toxic effects. When ingested by small animals and subsequently by predators, these POPs can bioaccumulate and biomagnify up the food chain, leading to potential health risks for larger predators, including humans. Plankton are a crucial part of the marine food web, and any impact on their populations could have significant effects on marine ecosystems.