Reducing the impacts of plastic waste in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
Lead Research Organisation:
Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Department Name: Plymouth Marine Lab
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Publications
Aguirre-Sanchez A
(2024)
Prevalence of microplastics in Peruvian mangrove sediments and edible mangrove species.
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
Cole M
(2023)
Mussel power: Scoping a nature-based solution to microplastic debris
in Journal of Hazardous Materials
Emberson-Marl H
(2023)
Microplastics in the Arctic: a transect through the Barents Sea
in Frontiers in Marine Science
Garrard S
(2024)
Identifying potential high-risk zones for land-derived plastic litter to marine megafauna and key habitats within the North Atlantic
in Science of The Total Environment
Lampitt RS
(2023)
Stakeholder alliances are essential to reduce the scourge of plastic pollution.
in Nature communications
Lindeque P
(2021)
Plastics and Plankton in Our Seas
in Frontiers for Young Minds
McIlwraith HK
(2024)
Microplastic shape influences fate in vegetated wetlands.
in Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
Morasae EK
(2024)
Using systems mapping to understand the constraints and enablers of solutions to plastic pollution.
in Journal of environmental management
Muñoz-Pérez J
(2024)
Plastic pollution and health metrics in wild juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from two Ecuadorian national parks: Galápagos and Machalilla
in Frontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science
| 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 | 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/ |
| Description | Activities undertaken Collection of samples and laboratory assessments of microplastics in commercially important species across diverse locations in Peru Findings High contamination in marine species and aquaculture feeds, posing risks to seafood safety. Microplastic fibers dominate pollution, primarily from fishing gear, textiles, and paper degradation. Gills in crabs show higher microplastic retention, suggesting respiratory exposure is a critical pathway. Reducing polyester, nylon, and modified cellulose pollution could help mitigate contamination. |
| Exploitation Route | Key Recommendations for Addressing Plastic Pollution in the Galápagos Strengthen Regulations & Policy Measures Reduce Plastic Emissions from Tourism & Fishing Enhance Scientific Monitoring & Data Collection Target the fibres to reduce microplastic contamination on commercially important species Recommendations to implement circular economy models in the region Recommendations to reduce the use of single use plastics in urban zones |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Communities and Social Services/Policy Construction Creative Economy Education Government Democracy and Justice Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Retail |
| Description | Across the whole project the science base in the region (SE Pacific) was advanced, technical and scientific expertise was strengthened, and education and participation opportunities within local communities were promoted, |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Creative Economy,Education,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | Media Briefing for UN Global Plastics Treaty session 5 |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
| Description | Policy Commission on Sustainable Plastics |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Reducing plastic pollution parliamentary debate |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| 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 | Blue Planet Prize |
| Amount | ï¿¥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 | 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 | Microsoft Donation |
| Amount | $5,000 (USD) |
| Organisation | Microsoft Research |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| 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 | Volvo Environment Prize 2022 |
| Amount | 1,500,000Â kr (SEK) |
| Organisation | Volvo Environment Prize |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Sweden |
| Start | 12/2022 |
| End | 12/2024 |
| Title | Waterborne microplastic characteristics and abundance sampled in the Gulf of Maine in July 2013 using nets of different mesh-size (100, 333 and 500 µm). |
| Description | Microplastic debris was collected via surface trawls in 9 different locations within the Gulf of Maine, using 100, 333 and 500 µm nets onboard RV American Promise in July 2013. Data includes sampling metadata, protocols, microplastic abundance, type and polymer. These data are described and analysed in Lindeque et al. (2020; DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114721) |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Highly cited research paper |
| URL | https://www.bodc.ac.uk/data/published_data_library/catalogue/10.5285/c47f341b-cb1d-64b9-e053-6c86abc... |
| Title | Waterborne microplastic characteristics and abundance sampled in the western English Channel between July - August 2015 using nets of different mesh-size (100, 333 and 500 µm). |
| Description | Microplastic debris was collected via surface trawls in 15 different locations within the western English Channel, using 100, 333 and 500 µm nets onboard RV Plymouth Quest between July - September 2015. Data includes sampling metadata, protocols, microplastic abundance, type and polymer. These data are described and analysed in Lindeque et al. (2020; DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114721) |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Highly cited research paper |
| URL | https://www.bodc.ac.uk/data/published_data_library/catalogue/10.5285/c2b2d36e-27b9-7cd5-e053-6c86abc... |
| Description | EIA |
| Organisation | Environmental Simulations |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Invited speaker from EIA discussing insights from the Global Plastic Treaty negotiations and how science can underpin change |
| Collaborator Contribution | Invited the speaker and engaged with discussions. |
| Impact | An invited talk from EIA speaker leading to knowledge exchange |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | 7IMDC Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Presented work on microplastic ecotox and chaired sessions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| 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 | BBC Radio Devon interview |
| 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 | Conversational piece with interviewer discussing the issue of mismanaged plastic, why biodegradable alternatives are being produced, how effective they are at breaking down in the the context of the natural environment and whether they are a viable alternative to conventional plastics. BBC Radio Devon 136,000 weekly listeners. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| 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 | Challenger Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presented work on microplastics ecotox studies and co-chaired |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Expert Panel on Microplastics (SCCWRP) |
| 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 | Worked with international experts in the field of microplastics research, coordinate by SCCWRP. Was designed to help inform Californian legal limits of thresholds on microplastics in drinking water and into coastal environments. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
| 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 of a plankton documentary for the RAZOR Science Show (CGTN Europe) |
| 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 | Filming of a plankton documentary for the RAZOR Science Show (CGTN Europe) disseminated via tv and online. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFnzJJW93hg |
| 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 | 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 | Interviewed by Packaging Insights |
| 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 | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Video interview with Packaging Insights on views about conventional and biodegradable plastics. ~13K followers on LinkedIn. Received email from member of the public who watched the interview and was shocked to find out there were typically as many chemicals in biodegradable plastics as conventional. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.packaginginsights.com/video/plymouth-marine-laboratory-bioplastics-do-not-fit-the-circul... |
| Description | Legacy plastics: Policy considerations from hotspots identification to clean-up implementation |
| 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 | Workshop hosted by the Royal Society's Ocean Policy Programme and DEFRA. Was designed to join a discussion panel on the topic of Legacy plastics: Policy considerations from hotspots identification to clean-up implementation, towards understanding the potential of plastic litter hotspots identification, along with the consideration of clean-up technologies' implementation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| 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 | Media Briefing led by the science center in the lead-up to the UN Global Plastics Treaty |
| 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 | Panel media briefing led by the Science Media Centre in the lead-up to the UN Global Plastics Treaty due to be signed in November 2024. The UN Global Plastics Treaty will set global targets for reducing plastic pollution to reduce further impact on environment and human health https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution/session-5. There was a good turnout at the media briefing with 22 journalists being in attendance from a lot of the UK nationals like BBC, Times, Independent, and Telegraph but also internationally with Japanese, German, and Swedish journalists on the call as well as news wires like AFP and PA. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Media interview (Global Landscapes Forum) |
| 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 | Interview on wider microplastics research with which I am involved, spanning various projects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Microplastics Workshop (Falmouth) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Discussing how we can work towards a circular economy |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Microplastics Workshop (Human and Ecological Health Effects of Microplastics in Water Symposium) |
| 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 | I presented research as part of Human and Ecological Health Effects of Microplastics in Water Symposium. Symposium was held remotely with international speakers from the microplastics community and open to public and stakeholders. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
| 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 | 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 | Pulitzer Center Sea Voices Campaign |
| 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 | Gave a media interview with Going Green Media as part of a campaign called Sea Voices set up by the Pulitzer Center who picked 5 content creators to interview ocean experts from 5 different continents. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| 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 | School Visit (South Brent Primary) |
| 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 | School visit with activity on plastic and plankton |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Socio-oceanography workshop |
| 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 | Discussing plastics in the context of One Health and Socio-oceanography |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| 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 |