Bioavailability and biological effects of microscopic plastic debris in the ocean
Lead Research Organisation:
Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Department Name: Plymouth Marine Lab
Abstract
Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic debris is discarded as waste and marine plastic litter is emerging as both a threat to the oceans and a major challenge for society to manage. Once plastic waste has entered the sea, the combined action of winds and tides leads to the fragmentation of larger plastic debris into microscopic particles. These microscopic particles have become so numerous, either floating in the ocean or accumulating in sediments and on shorelines, that they are emerging as a global conservation issue of high concern.
We have been studying what happens when microplastics are ingested by marine organisms at the lower end of the marine food web, including zooplankton that swim and feed in surface waters and marine worms that live in sediments at the ocean bottom. In our laboratory studies, ingestion of microplastics alongside food items led to reductions in body mass and reproduction. After the particles had been egested, they sank more slowly in the water column. This is important because the biomass of zooplankton and worms (so-called secondary producers) and the sinking rates of faecal pellets, are extremely important for the cycling of carbon and other nutrients in the oceans, which in turn is central to supporting all marine life.
In this proposal, we will build on these early findings to determine their significance for ocean life. We will study in detail how much microscopic plastic is actually being ingested by zooplankton collected from sites near to shorelines in UK waters. We will take samples from across a yearly cycle to understand how the abundance of plastic debris and its ingestion by zooplankton vary with seasonal cycles. We will study the factors such as size, shape and type of plastic that influence how much microplastic is consumed and the biological effects that it may have on organisms in the aquarium.
We will enter these results into models of ocean functions to predict what sites, if any, are most vulnerable to microplastics contamination and where the densities of microplastics may become comparable to those of invertebrate prey items. We will then use models to predict the impacts of this contamination on important ocean functions, such as the types of animals present and the cycling of both carbon and nutrients throughout the water column.
This project will provide important scientific results to improve our understanding of key ecological functions in the oceans, illustrate how our discarded waste materials may be capable of impacting on important ocean processes, and may highlight vulnerable sites or species that require special protection. This data will be of use to environmental managers and policy makers who are required by law to keep our seas clean and reduce the risk of direct or indirect harm to human and ocean health. Ultimately the results are important to everyone in society, and may help to build up a body of evidence to encourage us not to litter in the first place.
We have been studying what happens when microplastics are ingested by marine organisms at the lower end of the marine food web, including zooplankton that swim and feed in surface waters and marine worms that live in sediments at the ocean bottom. In our laboratory studies, ingestion of microplastics alongside food items led to reductions in body mass and reproduction. After the particles had been egested, they sank more slowly in the water column. This is important because the biomass of zooplankton and worms (so-called secondary producers) and the sinking rates of faecal pellets, are extremely important for the cycling of carbon and other nutrients in the oceans, which in turn is central to supporting all marine life.
In this proposal, we will build on these early findings to determine their significance for ocean life. We will study in detail how much microscopic plastic is actually being ingested by zooplankton collected from sites near to shorelines in UK waters. We will take samples from across a yearly cycle to understand how the abundance of plastic debris and its ingestion by zooplankton vary with seasonal cycles. We will study the factors such as size, shape and type of plastic that influence how much microplastic is consumed and the biological effects that it may have on organisms in the aquarium.
We will enter these results into models of ocean functions to predict what sites, if any, are most vulnerable to microplastics contamination and where the densities of microplastics may become comparable to those of invertebrate prey items. We will then use models to predict the impacts of this contamination on important ocean functions, such as the types of animals present and the cycling of both carbon and nutrients throughout the water column.
This project will provide important scientific results to improve our understanding of key ecological functions in the oceans, illustrate how our discarded waste materials may be capable of impacting on important ocean processes, and may highlight vulnerable sites or species that require special protection. This data will be of use to environmental managers and policy makers who are required by law to keep our seas clean and reduce the risk of direct or indirect harm to human and ocean health. Ultimately the results are important to everyone in society, and may help to build up a body of evidence to encourage us not to litter in the first place.
Planned Impact
This research project has been designed with direct input from stakeholders involved in marine litter from the very start and is designed to have an impact beyond its immediate academic environment. Its influence will be principally within the academic disciplines of the applicants, ecotoxicology, molecular ecology and biogeochemical modelling of ocean processes, but will extend to the environmental risk assessment and marine sciences communities and the scientists and policy professionals concerned with environmental protection.
The main group to benefit from the results of this research will be ecotoxicologists who are concerned with understanding how environmental pollutants interact with living systems, and molecular ecologists who study the mechanisms of temporal and spatial control of gene activity and its relationship with physiological function. Scientists in these disciplines will benefit from the specific information relating to microscopic marine plastic debris, its bioaccumulation, interaction with body systems and potential to influence large scale ocean processes.
In addition, human and ecological risk assessment professionals concerned with the international regulation of chemicals and substances will be interested in the results, since the safety assessment of environmental substances requires a sound weight of scientific evidence on which to base regulatory decisions. To adequately assess the risks posed by marine litter and the chemicals that may be associated with it, we need to know about their inherent properties of the chemicals and polymeric substances themselves (hazard) and to what extent organisms come into contact with them (exposure). A better appreciation of the ways in which marine litter is processed by regulatory systems in the body and the wider influence that this may have at the population level presents a subject of huge potential interest and relevance.
This will also be of potential interest to organisations such as the Food Packaging Forum which is a charitable, non-profit organisation established to identify and communicate high quality scientific information about food contact materials, their health implications and patterns of discard and recycling, since so much of the marine litter in the environment is derived from food packaging. Individuals in the plastics industries (through organisations such as Plastics Europe) and their associated groupings, such as the Global Polymer Innovations network and related Green Chemistry initiatives are all relevant and likely to be interested, since most manufacturers are very keen to work towards reducing marine litter and would be helped with directly relevant data on what impact it may be having
Finally, those charged with implementing policies designed to protect the marine environment will be interested in the results of our research. The Marine strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Descriptor 10: Marine Litter (see pathways to impact for more details) is implemented through the OSPAR commission (Oslo Paris Convention) and ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas). OSPAR's research priorities relating to marine litter are coordinated through the EU Technical Review Group on Marine Litter (part of the OSPAR Environmental Impact of Human Activities Committee, EIHA). The MSFD requires that all EU member states consider how Good Environmental Status (GES) for that descriptor will be achieved by 2020. Thus there is a huge policy driver to identify how marine litter and microplastics in particular may be impacting on marine life and how to set realistic targets to control marine litter. (see pathways to impact section for further details of our policy interactions).
The main group to benefit from the results of this research will be ecotoxicologists who are concerned with understanding how environmental pollutants interact with living systems, and molecular ecologists who study the mechanisms of temporal and spatial control of gene activity and its relationship with physiological function. Scientists in these disciplines will benefit from the specific information relating to microscopic marine plastic debris, its bioaccumulation, interaction with body systems and potential to influence large scale ocean processes.
In addition, human and ecological risk assessment professionals concerned with the international regulation of chemicals and substances will be interested in the results, since the safety assessment of environmental substances requires a sound weight of scientific evidence on which to base regulatory decisions. To adequately assess the risks posed by marine litter and the chemicals that may be associated with it, we need to know about their inherent properties of the chemicals and polymeric substances themselves (hazard) and to what extent organisms come into contact with them (exposure). A better appreciation of the ways in which marine litter is processed by regulatory systems in the body and the wider influence that this may have at the population level presents a subject of huge potential interest and relevance.
This will also be of potential interest to organisations such as the Food Packaging Forum which is a charitable, non-profit organisation established to identify and communicate high quality scientific information about food contact materials, their health implications and patterns of discard and recycling, since so much of the marine litter in the environment is derived from food packaging. Individuals in the plastics industries (through organisations such as Plastics Europe) and their associated groupings, such as the Global Polymer Innovations network and related Green Chemistry initiatives are all relevant and likely to be interested, since most manufacturers are very keen to work towards reducing marine litter and would be helped with directly relevant data on what impact it may be having
Finally, those charged with implementing policies designed to protect the marine environment will be interested in the results of our research. The Marine strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Descriptor 10: Marine Litter (see pathways to impact for more details) is implemented through the OSPAR commission (Oslo Paris Convention) and ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas). OSPAR's research priorities relating to marine litter are coordinated through the EU Technical Review Group on Marine Litter (part of the OSPAR Environmental Impact of Human Activities Committee, EIHA). The MSFD requires that all EU member states consider how Good Environmental Status (GES) for that descriptor will be achieved by 2020. Thus there is a huge policy driver to identify how marine litter and microplastics in particular may be impacting on marine life and how to set realistic targets to control marine litter. (see pathways to impact section for further details of our policy interactions).
Organisations
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory (Lead Research Organisation)
- FAUNA & FLORA INTERNATIONAL (Collaboration)
- Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (Collaboration)
- National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) (Collaboration)
- University of Bergen (Collaboration)
- Rozalia Project (Collaboration)
- NORCE Norwegian Research Center AS (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF EXETER (Collaboration)
Publications
Beaumont N
(2019)
Global ecological, social and economic impacts of marine plastic
in Marine Pollution Bulletin
Botterell Z
(2023)
An assessment of the ecosystem services of marine zooplankton and the key threats to their provision
in Ecosystem Services
Botterell Z
(2020)
Bioavailability of Microplastics to Marine Zooplankton: Effect of Shape and Infochemicals
in Environmental Science & Technology
Botterell ZLR
(2022)
Microplastic ingestion in zooplankton from the Fram Strait in the Arctic.
in The Science of the total environment
Botterell ZLR
(2019)
Bioavailability and effects of microplastics on marine zooplankton: A review.
in Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
Clark J
(2016)
Marine microplastic debris: a targeted plan for understanding and quantifying interactions with marine life
in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
Cole M
(2023)
Mussel power: Scoping a nature-based solution to microplastic debris
in Journal of Hazardous Materials
Cole M
(2015)
The impact of polystyrene microplastics on feeding, function and fecundity in the marine copepod Calanus helgolandicus.
in Environmental science & technology
Cole M
(2014)
Isolation of microplastics in biota-rich seawater samples and marine organisms.
in Scientific reports
Cole M
(2020)
Microplastics, microfibres and nanoplastics cause variable sub-lethal responses in mussels (Mytilus spp.).
in Marine pollution bulletin
Title | Eating our way to extinction documentary |
Description | Filming on our microplastic work for award winning documentary film 'Eating our way to extinction'. EATING OUR WAY TO EXTINCTION takes audiences on a cinematic journey around the world, from the depths of the Amazon rainforests to the Taiwanese Mountains, the Mongolian desert, the US Dust Bowl, the Norwegian Fjords and the Scottish coastlines, telling the story of our planet through shocking testimonials, poignant accounts from indigenous people most affected by our ever-changing planet, globally renowned figures and leading scientists. This powerful documentary sends a simple but impactful message by uncovering hard truths and addressing, on the big screen, the most pressing issue of our generation - ecological collapse. Confronting and entertaining, this documentary allows audiences to question their everyday choices, industry leaders and governments. Featuring a wealth of world-renowned contributors, including Sir Richard Branson and Tony Robbins, it has a message of hope that will empower audiences. |
Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
Year Produced | 2023 |
Impact | Change in views |
URL | https://www.eating2extinction.com/ |
Title | Filming of microplastic sampling |
Description | Filming was undertaken on-board Plymouth Marine Laboratory's Research Vessel 'Plymouth Quest' during pelagic and benthic microplastic sampling in the coastal waters around Plymouth. |
Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
Year Produced | 2016 |
Impact | Some of the film clips will be used by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in their promotion for a circular economy. |
Title | Plastic Oceans; 'working scientifically' films and lesson plans for GCSE Science |
Description | A series of four films and lesson plans have been developed by Digital Explorer with scientists from University of Exeter and our research group at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. These 'Working scientifically' films for GCSE Science allow students to develop their science skills through learning from a professional research team investigating the impact of microplastics on the marine ecosystem. |
Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
Year Produced | 2015 |
Impact | None yet |
URL | http://digitalexplorer.com/resources/bank/?collection=plastic-oceans-14-16 |
Title | Plastic Warriors |
Description | Over five years in the making, a major new feature documentary film PLASTIC PIONEERS - & PLASTIC WARRIORS for UK audiences - investigates the damaging effects plastic pollution is having on our health, lifestyle and wildlife. Following the work of eminent scientists, front line campaigners, and innovative designers working on solutions to the greatest pollution crisis of our time. An eye-opening film that inspires action. |
Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
Year Produced | 2023 |
Impact | Change in perception, increase in awareness of plastic problem across general public |
URL | https://plasticpioneersdocumentary.com/ |
Title | Poetry and Marine Science Crosscurrents project. |
Description | Pennie Lindeque (paired with poet Luke Thompson, from University of Exeter) presented an element of microplastic research on the 22nd March at the poetry and marine science event, as part of the Crosscurrents project. |
Type Of Art | Creative Writing |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Impact | Following the crosscurrents poetry event Pennie Lindeque was invited to attend a meeting organized by Plymouth History Centre (Plymouth Museum) to discuss the potential for microplastic research to be used as a contemporary narrative for Marine Science in Plymouth for the new marine display in the History Centre set to open in 2020. |
Description | We have found more evidence of the widespread impact plastic pollution could have on the marine environment. Tiny marine creatures called zooplankton readily ingest "microplastics", plastic debris smaller than one mm in size. This plastic is later excreted within their faecal pellets. In the marine environment, normal faecal pellets help transport carbon and nutrients into deeper waters, helping the ocean store carbon and providing food for animals living within the water column. This new study showed plankton that ate polystyrene microplastics produced faeces that were lighter than normal and therefore sank more slowly. This could have an affect on the ability of the ocean to cycle carbon and nutrients. Also, because these pellets sink slower there is a greater opportunity for them to be eaten by animals, demonstrating that microplastics can be indirectly ingested by other animals who consume these faecal pellets. In addition as part of this grant we have developed a particle tracking model as a tool to determine the distribution, accumulation and resident time of microplastics in the marine environment. The model has provided guidance to our field sampling campaign and has been used to trace the likely path taken by microplastics released from major cities around the South West UK. We have also built a model of the impact of microplastic ingestion on zooplankton growth and reproduction. In the final stage of the project, this will be used with the marine ecosystem model ERSEM to predict the possible impact of ingestion on the dynamics of marine microbial communities. From our field -based sampling we determined that microplastic concentrations using a 100 µm net are 10-fold greater than a 500 µm net. UK data revealed 2.5-fold increase in microplastics using 100 compared to 333 net. Using a power law extrapolation of our data we estimate in the waters around Plymouth (UK) the use of a 10 µm mesh net would yield on average approximately 207 microplastics m-3, and by using a 1 µm mesh microplastic concentrations could exceed 3700 microplastics m-3, these results enable guidance for exposure experiments. Our results strongly suggest underestimation of smaller plastics based on traditional sampling. Based on the relationship between microplastic concentrations identified with 100 and 333 µm nets as detailed in are study, we surmise that for buoyant microplastics >100 µm, the global plastic reservoir is much higher than previously thought, in the order of 12.5-125 trillion particles. |
Exploitation Route | The next step is to ascertain if these findings hold true in the natural environment, and if so to what extent. The particle tracking model can be readily used to track the fate of plastics (or pollutants in general) in other areas, both locally and around the globe. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Education Environment |
Description | Our findings have been used to make a TV article for BBC Inside Out Southwest demonstrating the effects of microplastic pollution on marine ecosystems. Following the broadcast our research group have been asked to give talks and provide information including to the Woman's Institute. The WI have shortlisted eight resolutions for further debate, one of which is to take action to reduce the use of plastic microbead-containing products in their own homes and communities; to raise awareness of the problems associated with plastic microbeads; and to lobby manufacturers, retailers and see the UK Government following in the steps of the Netherlands and other countries in proposing a ban on the use of these products. Following information provided by us we know of local WI groups that have voted for this resolution. The national vote takes place later this year. Findings from our research have been used to contribute to the POSTNOTE enquiry and publication on Marine microplastic pollution. In addition our findings were presented at the House of Lords reception in June 2016 and to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee at Westminster in July 2016 during their discussion meeting on 'What should we do about plastics?'. Results from the modelling work have been used within an article published by the Plymouth Herald that looked at the transport of pollutants out of Plymouth Sound and toward Whitsand Bay. Based on modelling tools developed during the project, evidence was also provided to Cefas and the Marine Management Organisation regarding plans to relocate the disposal site for dredged material from the Tamar Estuary. Our research continues to be widely disseminated by the media, reaching a large non-academic audience. This knowledge exchange includes being interviewed for/ or our research featured on: Food Unwrapped (Channel 4, 2017), Blue Planet II (BBC One, 2017) and Springwatch (BBC One, 2018), Countryfile (2018) and BBC Radio Devon (2017), El Jazeera's award winning environmental show (2018), ITN news (2018), cinematic feature documentary called "Eating our way to extinction" (2018), Plastic Britain documentary (2018), and a documentary celebrating the anniversary of the Mayflower leaving Plymouth (2018). Our results continue to be disseminated to a wide audience including many news articles, talks and workshops. This includes a talk as a guest speaker at the Westcountry Wonderwoman event (2018), a talk to a local conservation group, and on-going collaboration with a marine warriors team from Kingsbridge Community College. In addition I received funding and ran an international workshop in Peru on Marine Plastic Debris, including a presentation to a stakeholder group involving Peruvian ministers and the British Ambassador to Peru. Outputs and impacts from this grant have been recognised as, alongside colleagues from the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth, we won the Societal Impact category and overall prize in the Natural Environment Research Council's (NERC) 2018 Impact Awards. The accolades recognise our efforts to bring the causes and effects of plastic pollution, and in particular microplastics, to the attention of policy makers, industry and the general public globally. Lindeque has been listed by Clarivate as one of the 'World's Most Highly Cited Researchers' in the field of Environment and Ecology in 2019. In 2020 both Lindeque and Cole were listed by Clarivate as one of the 'World's Most Highly Cited Researchers' in the field of Environment and Ecology. The work from this project continues to have impact across numerous sectors. A recent publication from the team has looked at a holistic approach to considering the consequences of marine plastic pollution, including global ecological, social and economic impacts. An impact REF case study was developed at PML from this work looking at "Shaping policy and reducing marine plastic pollution". Lindeque and Cole led a paper on 'underestimating microplastic abundance in the marine environment', with interviews and features in the Guardian, i newspaper, The Times and New Scientist. According to the PML communications team the total advertising equivalent ~£4,032,034 and the reach ~ 435,895,602. |
First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Education,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice |
Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic Policy & public services |
Description | Consulted on UK Houses of Parliament POSTnote on Microplastics in the Marine Environment |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
URL | http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/POST-PN-0528 |
Description | Consulted on UK Houses of Parliament POSTnote on Microplastics in the Marine Environment (in preparation) |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
Description | DEFRA Evidence Workshop on Marine Plastic Pollution |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Description | Global Plastics Summit - Working towards a robust UN plastics treaty |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
URL | https://events.economist.com/global-plastics-summit/ |
Description | Marine Plastic Pollution - Evidence Review, Evidence Gaps & Recommendations for Future Evidence Needs |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | Attended and gave three presentations at the Marine Plastic Pollution - Evidence Review, Evidence Gaps & Recommendations for Future Evidence Needs Dissemination Event to DEFRA at Mary Sumner House, London on the 30th Oct. |
Description | Reducing plastic pollution parliamentary debate |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | Response to International Negotiation Committee of the Global Plastics Agreement |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
Impact | In UN meeting n Nairobi, nations agreed to develop a legally binding agreement on plastic. |
URL | https://namc.no/cases/namc-input-to-the-intergovernmental-negotiating-committee-of-the-global-agreem... |
Description | Response to the MMO evidence requirement R064 for the environmental impacts of marine litter. |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
Description | UK National Treaty Dialogues for Plastic Pollution |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
URL | https://globaltreatydialogues.org/country/uk |
Description | UK dialogues on the Global Plastics Treaty |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Description | ARIES DTP |
Amount | £97,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2021 |
End | 03/2025 |
Description | Biodegradable Bioplastics - Assessing Environmental Risk (BIO- PLASTIC - RISK) |
Amount | £559,724 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/V007351/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2020 |
End | 11/2024 |
Description | Blue Planet Prize |
Amount | ¥25,000,000 (JPY) |
Organisation | Asahi Glass |
Sector | Private |
Country | Japan |
Start | 11/2023 |
End | 03/2025 |
Description | Butt Out: A transdisciplinary approach in understanding and addressing the risks of littered cigarette butts |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2741980 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2022 |
End | 05/2026 |
Description | Charity Donation |
Amount | $5,000 (USD) |
Organisation | Microsoft Research |
Sector | Private |
Country | Global |
Start | 03/2023 |
End | 07/2024 |
Description | Developing ecological solutions to plastic pollution |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2570152 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2022 |
End | 07/2025 |
Description | Does microplastic pollution pose a risk to marine life and food security? |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2086651 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2018 |
End | 07/2022 |
Description | EnvEast Doctoral Training Partnership |
Amount | £88,500 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of East Anglia |
Department | EnvEast NERC Doctoral Training Partnership |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | From road to sea: Exploring the biological effects of tyre particles in marine invertebrates. (Ref:4293) |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2698635 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2022 |
End | 03/2026 |
Description | GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership - PhD student - Sarah Nelms |
Amount | £88,500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/L002434/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2015 |
End | 09/2019 |
Description | GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership - PhD student Rachel Coppock |
Amount | £88,500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/L002434/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2015 |
End | 09/2019 |
Description | Lost at Sea - where are all the tyre particles? (TYRE-LOSS) |
Amount | £121,724 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/V001868/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2021 |
End | 11/2024 |
Description | Microsoft Donation |
Amount | $5,000 (USD) |
Organisation | Microsoft Research |
Sector | Private |
Country | Global |
Start | 09/2022 |
End | 03/2024 |
Description | Nanoplastics in the southern Ocean |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2073424 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2018 |
End | 09/2022 |
Description | People's Postcode Lottery |
Amount | £500,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Ellen MacArthur Foundation |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2016 |
End | 01/2018 |
Description | Polymers from sugars: development of emerging sustainable plastics and investigation of their impact on the marine environment |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2749401 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2022 |
End | 03/2026 |
Description | RESMALI: Remote Sensing of Marine Litter |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Ref: 4000120879 |
Organisation | European Space Agency |
Sector | Public |
Country | France |
Start | 08/2017 |
End | 09/2018 |
Description | Reducing the impacts of plastic waste in the Eastern Pacific Ocean |
Amount | £255,014 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/V005413/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2021 |
End | 01/2025 |
Description | Risks and Solutions: Marine Plastics in Southeast Asia - RaSP-SEA |
Amount | £72,633 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/V009362/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2020 |
End | 10/2024 |
Description | The Distribution and Fate of Microplastic Pollution in Polar Environments: From the Canadian Arctic to the South Pole |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 1920672 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 12/2021 |
Description | The Economics of Marine Plastic Pollution: What are the Benefits of International Cooperation? |
Amount | £739,445 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ES/S002448/1 |
Organisation | Economic and Social Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2019 |
End | 09/2021 |
Description | Volvo Environment Prize 2022 |
Amount | 1,500,000 kr (SEK) |
Organisation | Volvo Environment Prize |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Sweden |
Start | 12/2022 |
End | 12/2024 |
Description | Waitrose & Partners, The Million Pound Challenge; Removing Marine Microplastics with Mussel Power |
Amount | £160,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Waitrose Limited |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2019 |
End | 06/2020 |
Description | • NERC EnvEast PhD, 'Does microplastic pollution pose a risk to marine life and food security?'. |
Amount | £88,500 (GBP) |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2018 |
End | 04/2022 |
Description | • Newton-Paulet Fund Research Link Workshop, to co-host a microplastic workshop in Peru. |
Amount | £45,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | British Council |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2018 |
Title | Sediment-microplastic isolation unit |
Description | Cheap, effective method for microplastic extraction from sediments. High, reproducible recovery rates - 95.8%. |
Type Of Material | Biological samples |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Method has been used all over the globe with requests for guidance and unit construction coming from nearly every continent ResearchGate Research Interest Score: 299.6 Citations: 444 Recommendations: 16 Reads: 4,522 |
URL | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318562854_A_small-scale_portable_method_for_extracting_micr... |
Title | Collection of waterborne microplastics, and zooplankton to ascertain ingestion of microplastic |
Description | Over 8,000 zooplankton, including fish larvae, have been collected and analysed for ingestion of microplastic. Associated waterborne microplastic has also been sampled and analysed over an 18 month period from 6 sampling sites in Plymouth coastal waters and the Western Channel Observatory. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | None yet |
Title | Grazing response to microplastic presence in copepods |
Description | Small model describing the impact of microplastic on the grazing of copepod taking into account the possibility of various response from the animal and tracking impact on the growth/reproductive capacity of the animal |
Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | The model is to be included within a marine ecosystem setting (ERSEM) in order to track impact of microplastic on biogeochemical cycles and system productivity. |
Title | PyLag - A tool for modelling particle transport and dispersion in the the marine environment |
Description | PyLag is a new particle tracking tool that is written in a mixture of the programming languages Python and Cython. Written using object orientated design principles, it is readily extensible, and can in principle simulate the transport of a range of different particulates, ranging from marine pollutants such as microplastics, to fish larvae. It presently includes support for two different hydrodynamic models: FVCOM and GOTM. However, it is relatively easy to add support for different hydrodynamic models, and it is anticipated support for NEMO will be added in the near future. The model has also been parallelised, and can be used on both desktop computers and modern super computers. |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2015 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The model has been used to simulate the transport and dispersal of microplastics around the SW UK coastline, and used to inform field sampling work. Outputs from the model have been used as background material in two Masters projects on microplastics. The model is currently being used by a PhD student at the University of Exeter to simulate the dispersal of Sea Fan larvae. It has also been used to simulate the dispersal of dredged material from various proposed dumping sites near to Plymouth, with results presented to both Cefas and the Marine Management Organisation. |
URL | http://www.pml.ac.uk/Modelling/Models/Physical_models_and_couplers |
Title | PyLag v0.4 - A particle tracking model for marine applications |
Description | This is the latest release of the particle tracking model PyLag, which has been under development since 2015. New features include support for a greater array of input data types, including data defined on global or regional rectilinear or curvilinear Arakawa A-grids, and data generated by the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS). Support for simulating particle behaviour has also been implemented. A conda package for the model has been developed, and support for continuous integration added using Travis CI. Finally, documentation has been added and integrated with GitHub using readthedocs. |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The latest version of PyLag is being incorporated into a Coastal Observatory for the Tamar estuary and surrounding channel waters. The observatory will provide real time pollution tracking tools for end users through a web interface. The interface will go live in June 2021. The model has also supported publication, and is being used in a number of ongoing projects to track the movement and fate of particles of different types through the marine environment. |
URL | https://pylag.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ |
Title | PyLag v0.6 |
Description | This is the latest release of PyLag, a particle tracking model for marine applications. The latest code includes support for studying the impact of wind and waves on particle transport. |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The model has now supported several science publications, including studies into sediment transport and the impact of Harmful Algal Blooms. Marine Scotland Science have also been using the model as part of their work. |
URL | https://github.com/pmlmodelling/pylag |
Title | PyLag-tools - A plotting library for analysisg PyLag model outputs |
Description | PyLag-tools provides a set of classes and functions to help with plotting and analysing output from the particle tracking tool PyLag. It is written in Python and is stored under version control in a git repository hosted by PML. |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2015 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The tool has been used by a PhD student at the University of Exeter in his project looking at the dispersal of sea fan larvae, and to produce plots for Masters students, who then incorporated these into their theses. |
URL | http://www.pml.ac.uk/Modelling/Models/Physical_models_and_couplers |
Description | Building a network of industry, government, and third sector organisations with a vested interest in marine (micro)plastic pollution |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Department | Marine Management Organisation (MMO) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Established links and connections with members of the aforementioned organisations. Prepared a funding proposal for NERC Innovations proposal. |
Collaborator Contribution | Engaged with and supported the proposed project. |
Impact | Prepared a NERC Innovations proposal which was not funded this time round, but which will be resubmitted in a reformed state in 2016. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Building a network of industry, government, and third sector organisations with a vested interest in marine (micro)plastic pollution |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Established links and connections with members of the aforementioned organisations. Prepared a funding proposal for NERC Innovations proposal. |
Collaborator Contribution | Engaged with and supported the proposed project. |
Impact | Prepared a NERC Innovations proposal which was not funded this time round, but which will be resubmitted in a reformed state in 2016. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Building a network of industry, government, and third sector organisations with a vested interest in marine (micro)plastic pollution |
Organisation | Fauna & Flora International |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Established links and connections with members of the aforementioned organisations. Prepared a funding proposal for NERC Innovations proposal. |
Collaborator Contribution | Engaged with and supported the proposed project. |
Impact | Prepared a NERC Innovations proposal which was not funded this time round, but which will be resubmitted in a reformed state in 2016. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Building a network of industry, government, and third sector organisations with a vested interest in marine (micro)plastic pollution |
Organisation | National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) |
Department | Futurelab |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Established links and connections with members of the aforementioned organisations. Prepared a funding proposal for NERC Innovations proposal. |
Collaborator Contribution | Engaged with and supported the proposed project. |
Impact | Prepared a NERC Innovations proposal which was not funded this time round, but which will be resubmitted in a reformed state in 2016. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Building a network of industry, government, and third sector organisations with a vested interest in marine (micro)plastic pollution |
Organisation | University of Exeter |
Department | Marine Ecology and Conservation Network |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Established links and connections with members of the aforementioned organisations. Prepared a funding proposal for NERC Innovations proposal. |
Collaborator Contribution | Engaged with and supported the proposed project. |
Impact | Prepared a NERC Innovations proposal which was not funded this time round, but which will be resubmitted in a reformed state in 2016. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Collaboration between PML, University of Bergen and Norwegian Research Centre on modelling the fate of plastic in the ocean |
Organisation | NORCE Norwegian Research Center AS |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have been models to simulate the trans-boundary transfer of plastic pollution |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners have been using the outputs of our models as inputs to their models, which they have been using to study the flow of plastic into and out of Norwegian Coastal waters. |
Impact | We prepared a briefing document for the UN, as they negotiated taking a position on developing a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Collaboration between PML, University of Bergen and Norwegian Research Centre on modelling the fate of plastic in the ocean |
Organisation | University of Bergen |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have been models to simulate the trans-boundary transfer of plastic pollution |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners have been using the outputs of our models as inputs to their models, which they have been using to study the flow of plastic into and out of Norwegian Coastal waters. |
Impact | We prepared a briefing document for the UN, as they negotiated taking a position on developing a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Evolution of a multi-insitute microplastic team |
Organisation | University of Exeter |
Department | Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Intellectual input to further plastic research in the marine environment. |
Collaborator Contribution | Intellectual input to further plastic research in the marine environment. |
Impact | Supervision of 1 MSc and 3 PhD students. Participation in Marine Ecology and Conservation network workshop; 'Dealing with the plastic problem: Cornwall as a global example.' Presentation at the University of Exeter-PML Science day. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Rozalia Project |
Organisation | Rozalia Project |
Country | United States |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Microplastics sampling in the Gulf of Maine (USA). Engaged with public and schools during the field sampling to heighten awareness of the project and plastic pollution. |
Collaborator Contribution | Ship-time and knowledge. |
Impact | Currently have a paper in prep. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Southwest Marine Ecology and Conservation Group |
Organisation | University of Exeter |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Participation and presentations at workshops on the problems of plastic pollution and moving towards solutions and a circular economy. Contribution to final report. |
Collaborator Contribution | Organising meetings and workshops, production of final report. |
Impact | Report produced on 'Dealing with the plastic problem: Cornwall as a world-leading example', April 2016 The first targeted workshop hosted by the University of Exeter's Marine Ecology and Conservation Network focused on the issue of plastic marine litter. 32 individuals were brought together from a range of sectors with specific interests in the issue. The aim was to begin to formulate achievable actions "Dealing with the plastic problem: Cornwall as a world-leading example." During discussions the over-arching topics covered were: 1. The key unknown impacts - social, economic and ecological. 2. The possible solutions - what is already happening and areas where there is a need for innovation. 3. The opportunities and barriers to facilitating desired changes. The group agreed that there was a strong will to progress this agenda in Cornwall but that there was a clear need for wider collaboration with additional sectors including tourism, retail and industry (production and waste management), particularly the fishing industry. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Title | PyLag - and offline particle tracking model |
Description | PyLag is an offline particle tracking model for marine applications. It was initially designed to work with the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model, and to target near coast applications. However, it was recently be extended to support a broader range of model grids (2020). |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Open Source License? | Yes |
Impact | The model code has now supported 5 publications. The software is being used in multiple (> 5) on going projects and has supported several PhD and Masters projects. As of 2 March 2022, the software has been starred 4 times on GitHub and has been downloaded 122 times from Anaconda Cloud. |
URL | https://pylag.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ |
Description | 'Plastic Oceans Workshop' in Aix-enPorvence (Matthew Cole) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Matthew Cole attended and contributed to 'Plastic Oceans Workshop' in Aix-enPorvence, France (December 2017), bringing together industry, NGOs and scientists, and is actively contributing to a follow-up report. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | 6th International Zooplankton Production Symposium, Bergen (May 2016) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque gave an invited presentation "Plastics and plankton: what do we know" at a specialist microplastic session at the 6th International Zooplankton Production Symposium in Bergen (May 2016). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | AMMR4 Mussel Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presented work on mussels/microplastics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Article for MBAs Marine Biologist publication |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque wrote an article for the Marine Biology Association's Marine Biologist Publication on 'Plastics and Plankton' to highlight the problem of small plastics on small animals towards the base of the marine food web. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Article for the International Council for Exploration of the Sea online news page. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque was requested to write a feature article on Plastics and Plankton for the ICES online news page, published in August. The article triggered interest in this research from other media and publishing parties. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Article in Fast Company |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Article entitled "Mussels can be a natural filter to remove microplastics from the ocean" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | http://fastcompany.com |
Description | Article in Marine Industry News |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Article in marine industry news 26th July |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://marineindustrynews.co.uk/is-mussel-poo-the-answer-to-microplastics/ |
Description | Attended and contributed to a UN Environment expert workshop on 'Marine plastics' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Matthew Cole attended and contributed to a UN Environment expert workshop on 'Marine plastics' in Paris, France (February 2018). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Aune Conservation Association talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk to the local Aune Conservation Association on the problem of plastic pollution in the marine environment. Audience reported an increased interest in the subject, and a shock at the extent of the problem, 100% of the audience reported that they would change their behaviour with regards to the use of single use plastic and would set up local river and beach cleans. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | BBC Radio Devon live interview on PMLs microplastic research |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Monday 5th October 2015 Pennie Lindeque gave a live interview with Simon Bates on BBC Radio Devon about our microplastic research at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. Following the live broadcasts phone-ins and emails demonstrated the interest and support for this important research and concern for our marine environment. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p032hrmw#play |
Description | BBC feature made on microplastics in the marine environment for Inside Out Southwest |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | We worked with presenter Nick Baker and producer Jo Horsey to produce a feature for the TV program Inside Out Southwest on microplastics in the marine environment. The film was shown on BBC 1, Inside Out, 7.30pm, Monday 5th October. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Big Bang event @ Plymouth City College, 8 June 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic debris end up in our oceans posing a threat to marine life. The problems of big plastics are clearly evident but what about the small plastics that no one can see? Visitors to the PML stand at the Big Bang Southwest event met with marine scientists to find out more about the impact of plastics in our oceans. We welcomed 284 school pupils over the course of the day and initial feedback has been extremely positive regarding the stand and the activities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | British Science Week activity at Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery- 'Survivors: Adapt of Perish' - 17-21 March 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The chosen theme this year focussed on how animals and plants adapt to different environments. PML's activity focussed on plastics in the ocean and involved an interactive activity n on how to extract plastics from cosmetics and raising awareness of plastics in the marine environment and the harm they can cause. The event was visited by 700 school pupils representing 17 schools and 250 members of the general public. Pupils reported that they enjoyed meeting 'real scientists' and they found the activities interesting. Many reported that they would stop using cosmetics that contained plastic beads. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015 |
URL | http://www.facebook.com/PlymSciWeek |
Description | Business Insider Japan Blue Planet Prize interview and film |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview with Business Insider Japan for a film production on the Blue Planet Prize |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://biz.jibtv.com/programs/our_blue_planet_2023/ |
Description | Cafe Scientifique |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Gave a talk entitled "Microplastics in our marine environment: Prevalence, problems and solutions" at the Cafe Scientifique, Launceston. Was well attended with approximately 50+ people. Many interesting questions and discussion afterwards with a broad range of audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Canadian live radio interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview to Canadian radio CBC on the 'As It Happens' program on Nature Based Solutions for Microplastics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-2-as-it-happens |
Description | Chaired working group on the impact of plastic pollution on Small Island Developing States |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Chaired session in which political figures and representatives from multiple NGOs discussed options for reducing their dependence on plastics and reducing levels of plastic pollution. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://events.economist.com/global-plastics-summit/ |
Description | Children's University Christmas Lecture- Plymouth University |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Talks attended by 80 children and parents, lots of interesting questions asked by children in the audience, event received good feedback. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.facebook.com/PlymSciWeek |
Description | Contribution to Key Stage II Oceans topic at All-Saints Primary School, Thurlestone |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque and Madie Steer provided support and teaching for an 'Oceans' topic at All-Saints Primary School, Thurlestone. This included talks, hands on science and contact with Steer during a 7 week research cruise from the UK to the Falklands through email and blogs. The students were overwhelmingly engaged with the field work, especially seeing live footage from the ship and being able to constantly engage with the scientist on-board. The research and discussions on plastic in the oceans created an increased interest in marine biology and the problem of plastics, and has changed behaviours towards the use of single-use plastic. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Documentary "Plastic Britain" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interviewed for the documentary "Plastic Britain" focussing on marine plastic debris and microplastic. Not yet released. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Documentary - Eating our way to extinction |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Filmed and interviewed for a cinematic documentary called "Eating our way to extinction" which will present some of our most critical global issues, inspiring people to stop the destruction of our planet's life support systems by making informed decisions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Expert working group - ICES WGZE Terms of Reference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Multi annual terms of reference to compile information on microplastics pollution and its effects on zooplankton communities in the ICES area. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017 |
URL | http://www.ices.dk/community/groups/Pages/WGZE.aspx |
Description | Filming for BBC Spotlight |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Filming with Spotlight - discussion on problems and solutions of microplastics in our seas |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Filming for Eating our way to extinction |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Filming on our microplastic work for award winning documentary film 'Eating our way to extinction'. EATING OUR WAY TO EXTINCTION takes audiences on a cinematic journey around the world, from the depths of the Amazon rainforests to the Taiwanese Mountains, the Mongolian desert, the US Dust Bowl, the Norwegian Fjords and the Scottish coastlines, telling the story of our planet through shocking testimonials, poignant accounts from indigenous people most affected by our ever-changing planet, globally renowned figures and leading scientists. This powerful documentary sends a simple but impactful message by uncovering hard truths and addressing, on the big screen, the most pressing issue of our generation - ecological collapse. Confronting and entertaining, this documentary allows audiences to question their everyday choices, industry leaders and governments. Featuring a wealth of world-renowned contributors, including Sir Richard Branson and Tony Robbins, it has a message of hope that will empower audiences. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.eating2extinction.com/ |
Description | Filming with El Jazeera |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Filmed with El Jazeera for an episode on plastic pollution for their award-winning environmental show exploring the significant threats to our planet by highlighting eco-friendly solutions from around the world. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Gave lecture to MSc post-graduate students at University of Plymouth |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Along with colleagues, gave a lecture to MSc postgraduate students at the University of Plymouth entitled, Transport and fate of microplastics in the marine environment; A biological perspective. Students were engaged and asked lots of questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Guest lecture on Microplastics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Guest lecture to Plymouth University Masters Students on Microplastics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | House of Lords Reception |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque attended the House of Lords reception at Westminster to help promote plastics research at PML. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | ITN news |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Filmed for a feature on microplastic, broadcast on World Ocean Day. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | In Conversation with Podcast |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | "In Conversation with." Podcast at Fresh Air Studios with Stuart Elford from Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-conversation-with-from-devon-and-plymouth/id1549894439 |
Description | Interactive workshop for Key Stage II pupils at All-Saints-Primary School, Thurlestone, and Modbury Primary School as part of the schools environmental awareness week. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Gave presentations and ran an interactive workshop on changing oceans for Key Stage II pupils at All-Saints-Primary School, Thurlestone, and Modbury Primary School as part of the schools' environmental awareness week. The pupils expressed an increased interest in science. Pupils and teachers changed their attitude towards using single-use plastic and school environmental group started to discourage use of plastic in packed lunches and started presenting awards to those with no plastic in their lunch box. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | International Microplastic Training Workshop, Peru |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Training workshop and presentation of outcomes to stakeholders including students, scientists, British Ambassador to Peru, Minister of Fisheries and Minister of Production in Lima, Peru. Increased knowledge of the problems of microplastic in the marine environment, appropriate methodology to assess this problem, and increased awareness how to prevent plastic pollution in the marine environment and reduce single use practice. led to signing a memorandum of understanding between Plymouth Marine laboratory and Instituto del Mar del Peru. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Interview about microplastics for NRK Norwegian TV - 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Was interviewed for a prime time Norwegian TV programme, 'Viten of vilje' by NRK TV where I talked about microplastics in the marine environment and our research on zooplankton. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://tv.nrk.no/serie/viten-og-vilje/DMTV23002217/sesong-1/episode-2#t=7m48s |
Description | Interview for China Global TV News |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque filmed with Tony Cheung highlighting the impacts of microplastic on marine organisms for China Global TV News and China Central TV |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Interview for The Times |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview and subsequent article in The Times |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Interview with Aesthetics media Ltd. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque gave a media interview with Aesthetics media Ltd regarding the proposed ban of microbeads. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Interview with China's Xinhua News Agency. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview with China's Xinhua News Agency who are working on an article about the plastic straw ban. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Interview with a reporter from mashable on the subject of microplastics in cosmetics. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The blog post, in which my interview on microplastics was reported, was shared 1.3k times. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://mashable.com/2016/08/24/microbeads-ocean-pollution/#acYjKjke4mqA |
Description | Interviewed and/or research featured on: Food Unwrapped (Channel 4, 2017), Blue Planet II (BBC One, 2017), Springwatch (BBC One, 2018), Countryfile (BBC1, 2018), BBC Radio Devon (2017) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interviewed and/or research featured on: Food Unwrapped (Channel 4, 2017), Blue Planet II (BBC One, 2017), Springwatch (BBC One, 2018), Countryfile (BBC1, 2018), BBC Radio Devon (2017) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
Description | KCC Marine Warriors Team |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Presented to the Marine Warriors Team at Kingsbridge Community College on the threats faced by our oceans, including climate change, the Arctic and plastic pollution in the marine environment. The students reported an interest in this area and have set up action groups to promote recycling in school, reduce single-use plastic and fund-raise to lay a mooring buoy to prevent anchoring in fragile estuary areas. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Lecture for Marine Contemporary Issues module for the Marine Science Masters course at Plymouth University |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque, James Clark, Sarah Nelms and Alice Wilson McNeal gave a lecture on microplastics in the marine environment at Plymouth University as a contribution to the contemporary marine issues course at Plymouth University. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Live Radio Interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Live Interview on BBC Radio Cornwall 09/07/21 discussing problems and solutions for microplastic pollution in the marine environment |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Mayflower documentary |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interviewed for a documentary celebrating the anniversary of the Mayflower leaving Plymouth. Not yet released. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Media Interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | interview with Xiaozhu on our microplastic work and recent papers for an article to be written for Nature |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Media interest in our microplastic research associated with the start of the plastic bag levy. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | As the plastic bag levy was launched in October 2015 so there was considerable media interest in the research we undertake on microplastics in the marine environment. Filming took place at PML in our laboratories, on a local beach and on-board PMLs research vessel Quest. Thursday 1st Oct our microplastic work was high profile featuring on the 6pm and 10pm national news, world news and the front page of BBC online. Friday 2nd Oct our microplastic work featured on CBBC Newsround. Monday 5th October our microplastic work was featured on BBC Spotlight news. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-34415464 |
Description | Media interview (Grist) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | All that plastic in the ocean is a climate change problem, too |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://grist.org/science/all-that-plastic-in-the-ocean-is-a-climate-change-problem-too/ |
Description | Micro2016 Conference, Lanzarote, 2016. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque gave a presentation on "The interaction between zooplankton and microplastics", presented at Micro2016, Lanzarote. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Micro2016 conference (Lanzarote) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presented results of our research on microplastics to an international audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://micro2016.sciencesconf.org/ |
Description | Mussel poop may help clear oceans of microplastics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Provided an interview for a Science news article "Mussel poop may help clear oceans of microplastics", 1st June 2023 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.science.org/content/article/mussel-poop-may-help-clear-oceans-microplastics |
Description | News articles on PMLs microplastic research |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Our microplastic work has featured in many newspaper articles including the Sunday Times (4th Oct), WMN (25th Oct) and Times (Friday 30th Oct). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | OPLNs Global Plastic Treaty Dialogues INC |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Participation in UK dialogues for the Global Plastics Treaty |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Overestimating Microplastic |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Led a paper on 'underestimating microplastic abundance in the marine environment', with interviews and features in the Guardian, i newspaper, The Times and New Scientist. According to comms the total advertising equivalent ~£4,032,034 and the reach ~ 435,895,602 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Panel discussion |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Sat on the expert panel for a University of Exeter led webinar "A Blue Recovery: How can we protect and restore our marine environment" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Panel discussion |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Formed part of a panel discussing "Everything is Rubbish" for the Greenwich Museum Vlog: Ships, Sea & The Stars: Royal Museums Greenwich video series |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Parliamentary and Scientific Committee at Westminster |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque gave an invited address to the Parliamentary and Scientific committee at Westminster in July 2016, during their discussion meeting on 'What should we do about plastics?'. PL spoke about the problems of microplastics in our marine environment and attended the discussion meeting, drinks reception and dinner, where lively and informative discussion continued. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Plastic Warriors |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Over five years in the making, a major new feature documentary film PLASTIC PIONEERS - & PLASTIC WARRIORS for UK audiences - investigates the damaging effects plastic pollution is having on our health, lifestyle and wildlife. Following the work of eminent scientists, front line campaigners, and innovative designers working on solutions to the greatest pollution crisis of our time. An eye-opening film that inspires action. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://plasticpioneersdocumentary.com/ |
Description | Podcast |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Ocean podcast with EuroNews called 'Is it possible to end ocean plastic pollution? Went live in Oct. 2022. Recorded with Jeremy Wilks and Francois Gilgani |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/10/13/ocean-calls-podcast-is-it-possible-to-end-ocean-plastics-p... |
Description | Podcast 'Great Minds In Science' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interviewed for a podcast 'Great Minds In Science' - 'The Effects of Microplastics On Zooplankton And The Transfer Of Biomass Between Trophic Levels In A Marine Environment' |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Populist article on microplastic debris for surfers against sewage 'Pipeline' magazine |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Following an invite from Hugo Tagholm, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage charity, a populist article was written on microplastic debris for their quarterly magazine called 'Pipeline'. This has an outreach of >22,000 people who are members of surfers against sewage. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Presentation at North Atlantic Microplastic Centre Annual Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | Presentation of work to identify hotspots of microplastic in the Bergen Fjord System. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Press release - Plankton faeces could move plastic pollution to the ocean depths |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | A press release was put out for our new co-authored manuscript in Environmental Science and Technology 'Microplastics Alter the Properties and Sinking Rates of Zooplankton'. This has already been picked up by o Science Daily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160229135927.htm o Hearld: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Oh-pooh-Plastics-dangerous-ocean-thought/story-28830257-detail/story.html o Grist: http://grist.org/article/plastic-filled-plankton-poop-threatens-the-oceans/ |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160229135927.htm |
Description | Press release for AMT microplastic work |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A press release was produced for the microplastic work undertaken on the Atlantic Meridian Transect cruise from the UK to the Falklands. The release was taken up by both the Guardian (national) and the Western Morning News (regional) papers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/19/atlantic-expedition-aims-to-discover-affect-of-m... |
Description | Provided an animation of particle movement out of Plymouth Sound for the Plymouth Herald. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Provided an animation of particle movement out of Plymouth Sound for the Plymouth Herald. The animation was published on their webpage as part of a newsstory that focussed on the impacts of pollution from the Tamar Bridge. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/cars-on-tamar-bridge-may-be-killing-cornish-mussels/story-29422391-d... |
Description | Radio 4's Today Program |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interviewed on Radio 4's Today Program in response to V&A's new art exhibition; "Plastic: Remaking Our World will chart the changing fortunes of a material with a more than 170-year history, encouraging visitors to think afresh about the promise and challenges of this extraordinary material." |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Resilient Futures Royal Society workshop on Legacy Plastic |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | Resilient Futures Royal Society workshop on Legacy Plastic |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Rotary club talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk given on "The problem with plastic". Following the presentation and discussion several of the audience said they would reconsider washing synthetic fleece garments so often and even choose more natural fibre products in future. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Roundtable discussion on Marine Plastics in New Delhi, India |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | This was a round table discussion on Marine Plastics that was held in New Delhi, India in February 2019. The meeting was organised by the UK Science and Innovation Network, who are working with India on the subject of Marine Plastics and their potential to harm human health. The purpose of the meeting was to explore this issue further and come out with solution driven recommendations, and to share best practices to feed into future marine litter policy. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Royal party and VIP visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Dr Lindeque led the PML plastics team (alongside others) for a Royal party and VIP visit on Friday 14th July. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Sat on Expert Panel on "How to achieve global agreement on the reduction of microplastic emissions" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Invited to sit on expert panel to discuss the challenges associated with reaching an international agreement on the problem of marine plastic litter. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://namc.no/ |
Description | School beach trip (Devon) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | A school beach visit and rock-pooling trip was organised and run for a local primary school. The children undertook rock pooling and helped to collect plankton with a small hand net towed by the local life guard. The event increased the awareness of the children to their local marine environment and how best to help protect it. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | School engagement |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Recorded video answering questions from school children about marine plastic pollution. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | School visit (women in Science) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | A talk was given at All-Saints-Primary School, Thurlestone, Devon on women in science to Key Stage 1 and 2 children. The talk was aimed to break down the stereotype of what young children thought a 'traditional scientist' should be. The talk sparked some interesting and thought provoking questions and debate. The majority of children had a changed view of scientists following the visit. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | School visit - Leigham Primary School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Talk given to primary school children about the problem of microplastics. Expert feedback was also given to them on their topic 'Future Seas'. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Seminar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Gave a seminar to College of Life and environmental sciences at Exeter University to increase knowledge on Microplastics in our marine environment: Prevalence, problems and solutions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Student workshop on microplastics in the marine environment |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | We ran a workshop on microplastics in the marine environment. The workshop was for KS4 students from 3 schools; Devonport High School for girls (Plymouth), Nicolaus Copernicus High School (Poland) and Loreto Convent (Ireland), funded through the EU Comenius project. The children were very engaged in the subject and activities. They showed a greater interest in microplastics in general and in particular microplastics in cosmetic products, the effect these may have in the marine environment and how the use of such products could be avoided. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Supplied images to a visiting Artist, Cecilia Ramon (Plymouth) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | We were visited by an Artist, Cecilia Ramon, who was interested in using images from our scientific research as inspiration for her work. We provided Cecilia with a set of slides. Cecilia exhibits her work, and through these exhibits we anticipate that our research will reach audiences that may not normally engage with science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://ceciliaramon.com/ |
Description | Talk and workshop at Eden Project laboratory summer program |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque ran the first day of the Eden project lab summer programme. Giving talks and a workshop on the importance of zooplankton and Microplastics in the marine environment from problems to solutions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Teaching Resource for Primary School Children |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Working with Dr Katharine Pemberton (Modbury Primary School) we have developed a teaching resource for primary school children based on plastic pollution in our seas; this has been published in the Autumn Primary Science Teaching Trust Newsletter "Why and How?"; Autumn 2019, Issue 7. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Telegraph Interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Gave an interview with the Telegraph on the impact of improper disposal of single-use PPE on the Marine Environment |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | University of Exeter Education Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Pennie Lindeque, Alice Wilson McNeal and Tamara Galloway contributed a poster to the University of Exeter's Education Conference by invitation of the deputy vice chancellor. The presentation was to highlight the success of Alice Wilson McNeal's undergraduate placement at Plymouth Marine Laboratory including her P1 Marine Science Foundation National Science Award. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | University seminar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Gave a seminar to zoology department at Oxford University to increase knowledge on Microplastics in our marine environment: Prevalence, problems and solutions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Westcountry Wonderwoman Event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Motivational talk as a guest speaker at the Westcountry Wonderwoman event for International Woman's day. Over 100 pupils aged 11-18 attended a 3 hour evening session with the strapline #PressForProgress. Many pupils provided feedback that they were inspired to work hard, follow their dreams and were motivated to pursue STEM careers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Workshop at the ICES/PICES 6th Zooplankton Production SYmposium (Bergen) - Effects of microplastics on zooplankton: assessing the risk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The purpose of this workshop was to bring together researchers with a common interest in microplastics and through a series of contributions and discussion to assess the risk posed to zooplankton by microplastics in the marine environment. Further, discussion on the current problems and best practises in monitoring microplastics was initiated to provide recommendations concerning EU MSFD microlitter monitoring. The group felt they would like to remain in touch via email to discuss/feedback ideas, findings etc following this successful workshop. Thus a list with emails was compiled and discussion may continue after the workshop. The session concluded with a recommendation that this workshop be followed up with a submission by the workshop conveners of a session proposal to the next ICES Annual Science Conference. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Young women in STEM careers fair (Plymouth) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 250 people registered for the event a nearly half and half split between young people and parents/guardians. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Youtube video on 'How to discover hidden microplastics' for Sunday Science |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | We filmed with Plymouth University an experiment 'How to discover hidden microplastics' for Sunday Science. The film is available on YouTube and is aimed at schools and the general public, enabling them to undertake simple experiments with items that you can find around the home. The film has been viewed nearly 300 times and feedback from individuals and schools that performed the experiment has been one of interest and shock, that small microplastics can be found in everyday cosmetic products. Many people have since become more aware of the problem of microplastics and are avoiding buying such items. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh1cGaVZL2s |
Description | • Article by Springwise Intelligence |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Article by Springwise Intelligence. Springwise.com is a digital journal, based in Somerset House, dedicated to discovering innovations that matter since 2002. They receive over 120,000 page views every month and have a social media audience of over 300,000. They recently dedicated an article to our project using mussels to filter the water for microplastics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |