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

10 25 50
 
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 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 ¥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 1,500,000 kr (SEK)
Organisation Volvo Environment Prize 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country Sweden
Start 12/2022 
End 12/2024
 
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 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 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 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 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