Deep Dives
Thought-provoking research providing extensive learning opportunities
Office for Coastal Management, NOAA Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism
These reports examine the critically important economic contributions of the oceans and Great Lakes to the marine economy of the United States.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
Emily Elhacham et al., Nature Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism
Here we quantify the human-made mass, referred to as ‘anthropogenic mass’, and compare it to the overall living biomass on Earth, which currently equals approximately 1.1 teratonnes.
Read more → (25 minute read)
Maya Al-Sid-Cheikh et al., Nature: Communications Material Plastics & Pollution
Available analytical methods cannot detect nanoplastics at environmentally realistic concentrations in complex matrices such as biological tissues. Here, we describe a one-step polymerization method, allowing direct radiolabeling of a sulfonate end-capped nano-sized polystyrene (nPS; proposed as a model nanoplastic particle representing negatively charged nanoplastics).
Read more → (22 minute read)
Lauren Roman, et al., The Society for Conservation Biology Plastics & Pollution
Pollution by plastic and other debris is a problem affecting the world's oceans and is increasing through time. The problem is so large that prioritizing solutions to effect meaningful change may seem overwhelming to the public and policy makers.
Read more → (more than an hour read)
Philip J. Landrigan et al., Annals of Global Health Plastics & Pollution
The purpose of this review is to examine the impacts of ocean pollution on human health and well-being, identify gaps in knowledge, project future trends, and offer scientifically based guidance for effective interventions.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
Emily M. Duncan et al., Plos One Plastics & Pollution
Here we undertook a proof of concept study by applying open source tracking technology (both GPS (Global Positing System) cellular networks and satellite technology), which have been successfully used in many animal movement studies, to track the movements of individual plastic litter items (500 ml PET (polyethylene terephthalate) drinks bottles) through the Ganges River system (known as the Ganga in India and the Padma and Meghna in Bangladesh, hereafter known as the Ganges) and the Bay of Bengal.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
Multiple Authors, Break Free From Plastic Plastics & Pollution
BRANDED Volume III: Demanding Corporate Accountability for Plastic Pollution” is out, revealing the Top 10 Corporate Plastic Polluters of 2020.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
Martin R. Stuchtey et al., The Ocean Panel Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism
This report lays out the contours of a new relationship between the ocean and humanity. Building on the latest scientific research, analyses and debates from around the world, the report showcases a balanced model for ocean management that simultaneously achieves effective ocean protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
IOC-UNESCO / United Nations Global Compact Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports
Outlines the opportunities for the private sector to support the objectives of the Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030). Developed in collaboration with the UN Global Compact and IOC-UNESCO to raise the awareness of the Decade among private sector partners and draw the private sector’s attention to the key role of ocean science in building the blue economy in a sustainable manner.
Read more → (20 minute read)
UNESCO/IOC Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution
Outlines the opportunities for the private sector to support the objectives of the Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030). Developed in collaboration with the UN Global Compact and IOC-UNESCO to raise the awareness of the Decade among private sector partners and draw the private sector’s attention to the key role of ocean science in building the blue economy in a sustainable manner.
Read more → (20 minute read)
Hannah Friedman, Closed Loop Ventures Group & Internal Research Lead BrightTalk GreenMoney Plastics & Pollution
As part of our Advancing Circular Systems for Plastics & Packaging Initiative, Closed Loop Partners published Navigating Plastic Alternatives in a Circular Economy to demystify the rapidly growing and evolving landscape of plastic alternatives, with a focus on bio-based plastics, biopolymers and compostable products and packaging.
Read more → (more than an hour read)
Dr. Kimberly Warner, Elizabeth Linske, Patrick Mustain, Melissa Valliant and Christy Leavitt, Oceana Plastics & Pollution
In 2019, news outlets across the world reported on a beaked whale that died after ingesting more than 88 pounds of plastic. It had starved, and its digestive acid, unable to break down the compacted mass filling its stomach, had begun eating away at the animal from the inside out. But not all incidents like this make the news.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
The United States prioritizes responsible and sound environmental policies, both at home and abroad. Various agencies throughout the federal government are leading global efforts to prevent and remove litter from entering our oceans.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
Andy Steven, et al., High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism
This paper highlights trends in coastal behaviour and comments on the dynamics that weaken and strengthen coastlines, including infrastructure, shipping, tourism, and future development plans. The paper makes an economic and security case for resilient coastlines, examines trade-offs between restoration and infrastructure development and recommends new models for shipping and tourism.
Read more → (more than an hour read)
Denise M. Mitrano & Wendel Wohlleben, Nature Communications Plastics & Pollution
The presence of plastic in the environment has sparked discussion amongst scientists, regulators and the general public as to how industrialization and consumerism is shaping our world. Here we discuss restrictions on the intentional use of primary microplastics: small solid polymer particles in applications ranging from agriculture to cosmetics.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
K. Kvale et al., Nature: Scientific Reports Plastics & Pollution
Every year, about four percent of the plastic waste generated worldwide ends up in the ocean. What happens to the plastic there is poorly understood, though a growing body of evidence suggests it is rapidly spreading throughout the global ocean.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
Winnie W. Y. Lau et al., Science Plastics & Pollution
Plastic pollution is a pervasive and growing problem. To estimate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce plastic pollution, we modeled stocks and flows of municipal solid waste and four sources of microplastics through the global plastic system for five scenarios between 2016 and 2040.
Read more → (21 minute read)
Eliza Northrop, Manaswita Konar, Nicola Frost and Elizabeth Hollaway, World Resources Institute Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports
This new Ocean Panel–commissioned report, ‘A Sustainable and Equitable Blue Recovery to the COVID-19 Crisis’, offers a timely and practical roadmap featuring five priority blue stimulus opportunities that are ripe for immediate investment of stimulus funding. For policy and financial decision-makers, these are ready-made solutions to unlock much-needed relief and resilience and build a fair, just and sustainable ocean economy fit for everyone’s future.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
Almond, R.E.A., Grooten M. and Petersen, T. (Eds). WWF Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism
Biodiversity – the rich diversity of life on Earth – is being lost at an alarming rate. This loss effects our own health and well-being. Today, catastrophic impacts for people and the planet loom closer than ever.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
OECD, multiple co-authors Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism
Adopting more sustainable ways of managing the ocean is a global priority: protecting its health will bring benefits to all.
Read more → (more than 30 minute read)
