Plastic pollution is ubiquitous and increasing in the marine environment, particularly in remote locations. The effects on marine life include entanglement, ingestion, and potential leaching of toxic plastic additives into tissues. A study investigated the exposure of reef manta rays to plastic pollution in a remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean, including abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear, and microplastics. Additionally, it examined the origins of plastic drink bottles on the beaches of the Chagos Archipelago to understand the origins of the debris, and make Extended Producer Responsibility recommendations in the Global Plastics Treaty currently being negotiated by the United Nations.
Category Archives: marineLIVE blog
From Strandline to Science: The Journey of a Shark Eggcase
Joss Carr (Queen Mary University of London) discusses his MSc Research Project investigating the data quality of UK invertebrate records on iNaturalist.
Seagrass Conservation: Growing #GenerationRestoration in Europe
Joss Carr (Queen Mary University of London) discusses his MSc Research Project investigating the data quality of UK invertebrate records on iNaturalist.
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems: Reefs From the Twilight Zone
Dr Clara Diaz (University of Plymouth) takes us on a journey into the mysterious world of mesophotic coral ecosystems and her work to study them in the Indian Ocean.
Community Voice Method: Engaging Local Communities in Turtle Conservation
Amdeep Sanghera discusses how island fishing communities are being engaged in the development of turtle conservation policy.
Mobulid Rays in the Chagos Archipelago: Fisheries & Conservation Management
Dr Joanna Harris (The Manta Trust) discusses her research on manta Archipelago.
Thriving on the Edge: Grey Seal Abundance and Survival on the Calf of Man
Dr Lara Howe (Manx Wildlife Trust) delves into research on the Grey Seals of the Calf of Man.
Microplastic Pollution and Solutions
Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones (Bangor University) explores research into microplastic pollution including its distribution, environmental impacts, and possible solutions.
Seahorses of the UK: Conservation and Research
Delve into the mysterious realm of the seahorse with Beccy MacDonald-Lofts to hear about seahorse research and conservation in the UK.
Biological Recording 