MARINE DEBRIS PROJECT

The video below is a short film I produced to demonstrate the extent of marine debris pollution in my local area of Plymouth and the surrounding coastline. I hope the project enlightens and inspires!

MUSIC:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ddzlRtqviU
DeusExMaschine
https://soundcloud.com/deusexmaschine
https://www.facebook.com/DeusExMaschine

DISSOLVING THE LAND-SEA BOUNDARY

Barley harvest. By U.S. Department of Agriculture [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

Agriculture has long been regarded as a stepping stone in human history; elevating hunter-gather societies from a violent and precarious existence propelling humans into a post-cave dwelling reality promising improved health and longevity coupled with decreased workloads. After deeper examination by biological anthropologists, however, this rosy perception has been put into question. One of the more conspicuous effects was reduced dental health resulting from an exponential reliance on a carbohydrate based diet along with a decline in nutritional quality as diet became less varied; affecting growth and development^[2]. Negative effects of agriculture are not felt by humans alone.

As technology advanced agriculture inevitably became more and more sophisticated. In the present day, influences of a wide range impact the way humans cultivate land; from a continually increasing population to a calcified capitalist attitude in society. Such pressures translate into a yearning for greater yield in crop at the lowest possible cost. Consequently, technologies such as fertilisers are now widely used.

Fertilising operations. Graham Horn [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Employing fertilisers in agriculture introduces such chemicals as ammonium and nitrate to soil and water^[4]. The nitrogen that is added to the soil may exceed levels that can be absorbed by plants^[1] and this can be a significant issue regarding marine pollution, as we will now explore.

Surplus nitrogen in soil and water from the excessive use of fertilisers migrates into watercourses through agricultural run-off; when considering marine pollution this is specifically an issue in coastal farmland as the excess nitrogen is transported into the marine environment. Eutrophication is a type of pollution that is characterised by an explosive growth of algae, also known as algal blooms, as a result of increased concentrations of growth-promoting nutrients^[3]. When the algae die and are eaten by bacteria the oxygen levels of the water can become hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (completely depleted of oxygen), having potential catastrophic effects on animals inhabiting the aquatic environment; hypoxia induces stress and anoxic conditions can be fatal^[3].

Marine eutrophication occurs in much the same way and is as an ecosystem response to the increased availability of nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are essential for plant growth^[1]. Marine waters enriched with nitrogen can promote an explosion in algae and planktonic growth leading to hypoxic or anoxic conditions posing threats to the surrounding marine life. Marine eutrophication has been observed in the Baltic Sea; significantly increased nutrient concentrations measured in the 1990s compared to the 1950s (before large scale nutrient input began) resulted in increased occurrence of fast-growing algae forming algal mats that decomposed in the lower levels inducing anoxic conditions^[5].

Phytoplankton bloom off western Iceland. By NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Flickr: Phytoplankton bloom off western Iceland) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Ever improving technology arouses questions surrounding a seemingly old-fashioned way to cultivate the land (machines have merely replaced man whilst methods remain relatively unchanged): is it necessary? Is a change needed in societal attitude? Is there less harmful alternatives?

The future of humanity is uncertain; food security is becoming an increasing worry with threatening conditions that could affect our ability to maintain the status quo of food production. As we re-think global food production, issues surrounding the use of technologies such as fertilisers should not be overlooked. Marine eutrophication, seemingly specific, has far reaching implications as the oceans are such a vital aspect of our past, present and future. An all-encompassing view of our food production wouldn’t go a miss!

- Ben 

References:

[1] Cosme, N. and Niero, M., 2017. Modelling the influence of changing climate in present and future marine eutrophication impacts from spring barley production. Journal of Cleaner Production 140, 537-546

[2] Larsen, C. S., 1995. Biological Changes in Human Populations with Agriculture. Annual Review of Anthropology 24, 185-213

[3] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2017. Nutrient Pollution – Eutrophication. Available at: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/media/supp_estuar09b_eutro.html (Accessed: 8 December 2017)

[4] Socolow, R H., 1999. Nitrogen management and the future of food: Lessons from the management of energy and carbon. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 96, doi: 10.1073/pnas.96.11.6001

[5] UK Marine Special Areas of Conservation, undated. Eutrophication. Available at: http://www.ukmarinesac.org.uk/communities/infralittoral/ik5_3.htm#a1 (Accessed: 8 December 2017)

A UNITED NATIONS SIMULATION

Logo of the United Nations. By Von Ryan (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Logo_of_the_United_Nations.png#file), via Wikimedia Commons.

A recent module in my Environmental Science degree was focused on communication, more specifically; communicating scientific information and principles in an accessible way. As part of the module we simulated a United Nations Earth Summit.

Before conducting the simulation the different groups were assigned either a participating country or an organisation, for example, a non-government organisation working towards a sustainable future. My group and I were tasked to simulate an international energy company. In order to provide some controversy and ensure all global interests were represented we opted to simulate British Petroleum, otherwise known as BP. Representing a leading oil company we prepared for the impending barrage of challenges from the other participants.

On the day of the simulation all groups congregated after a week of preparation. Each group presented their assigned country or organisations perspective regarding the proposed goal of net national carbon dioxide emissions levels at zero by 2100. I witnessed the groups intently view the goal and simulation from the perspective of others which I feel is the most valuable lesson learnt by all from this activity; viewing such a global problem as climate change from a perspective not rooted in the privileges of western culture, rather, speaking from perspectives of less economically developed countries also. In a wider and more general context, this allowed the exploration of the effects that can be felt by other peoples and cultures as a result of decisions made in another part of the world.

An important point to raise, in my opinion, is the fact that this activity was not assessed. As a result I saw what I believe a learning environment should be; fundamentally based on openly sharing ideas and a free exploration of concepts without the relentless underlying motives of a heavily grade and assessment orientated system. I believe this allowed all participants a level of pressure-free engagement that translated into presentations and discussions of a standard that, hitherto, I have not seen.

- Ben

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

As promised in a previous post the purpose of this post is to share information on organisations that are currently concerned with marine pollution and are working towards a future of clean oceans. Before you delve into the list of non-government organisations I’ll leave you with this quote from Leonardo DiCaprio:

“Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it is time to wake up and take action!”

Surfers Against Sewage

Location: UK

Work: Large focus on plastics, beach cleans, education through school programs, campaigning through government and industry petitions, water quality, protection of various marine sites from developments, climate change.

Oceana

Location: Global

Work: Overfishing, marine pollution, biodiversity, strategical and directed campaigns, producing scientific reports, a multi-disciplinary approach employing the help of scientists, economists, lawyers, communicators and advocates.

Greenpeace

Location: Global

Work: Campaigning for an Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary, plastic pollution, overfishing, whaling, sustainable seafood, climate change, deforestation, peace.

Marine Conservation Society

Location: UK

Work: Marine pollution, marine debris, responsible seafood, conservation and ocean recovery, good beach guides with consisting of events, water quality and Fish2Fork rated restaurants.

Sea Life Trust

Location: UK

Work: Marine plastic, increasing marine protection, overfishing.

Marinet

Location: UK

Work: Marine pollution, marine plastic, radioactive waste, sewage, aggregate dredging, conservation, sustainable fishing, marine reserves.



- Ben

VIVE LA RÉVOLUTION

From the very beginning of my Environmental Science degree I realised how unapproachable science is to the general public; from the technical and, frankly, boring language to the costly fees to gain access to scientific papers in the first place. I knew I was entering a novel world.

In a piece of writing during the first year I expressed my opinion that the relationship between science and art is a symbiotic one. The fact that science was so seemingly unapproachable had me asking many questions; is it intentional from the scientific community? How are science and art not viewed as two sides of the same coin? For they are both, fundamentally, about exploring ideas and are a teacher unto, not only themselves, but also each other. I see in my surroundings the way art inspires action; evoking emotion and passion in people that change the way they view the world. With science providing the fact and art creating deep rooted emotional investment, it baffled me that there was not a closer relationship between the two.

A recent module in my degree, focused on science communication, involved Environmental Science students collaborating with Graphic design students. My ideas were coming to fruition. We developed a project communicating the science behind two of the United Nations sustainable Development Goals; Life on Land and Sustainable Cities/Communities. Our group decided to focus on vertical forests; a concept that I found very interesting. Emphasis was on a vertical forests ability to improve air quality in urban areas through reducing air pollution, but also the physiological and mental benefit to the surrounding inhabitants. Whilst researching for this project I was amazed at the number of studies that showed the positive effect of urban green spaces upon health and mental well-being; this along with an incredible ability, through photosynthesis, to clean the surrounding urban air, my curiosity was piqued.

I believe as a concept, vertical forests will become more and more prominent in the urban environment as we become more educated about how the way we live can negatively impact the very thing we rely on to survive: the environment! In working with the graphic design students, I had the opportunity to live out the ideas I was exploring last year and from my perspective it is a step in the right direction; transcribing science knowledge through art, elevating it in the population’s consciousness and inspiring change - VIVE LA RÉVOLUTION!


- Ben

OUR OCEANS ARE NOT GARBAGE CANS

The advent of plastic has drastically changed the way we live our lives; integrated into almost every facet of our day-to-day living, from brushing your teeth in the morning to drinking your favourite coffee. Even for such basic needs we rely on the production AND disposal of plastic - it is nigh on impossible to avoid!

Plastic cutlery. By Ziko van Dij, GFDL: (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), via Wikimedia Commons.

The characteristics of plastic gave rise to this “revolution”, albeit a disastrous one environmentally speaking. Low cost and ease of manufacture peaked interest, that along with properties such as its versatility, strength and resistance to water have made it applicable to innumerable needs of modern society. Perhaps enabling further creation of false needs as a self-perpetuating cycle to ensure we continue consuming material goods? New iPhone anyone?

The waste stream of plastic is, as you would expect, immense. Irresponsible disposal practices of items such as, single-use bottles, have led to the release of plastic waste into the environment. A scientific study[2] calculated that 275 million metric tons of plastic was generated in 192 coastal countries in 2010, of which 4.8 to 12.7 million metric tons entered the oceans. The scale is huge.

Jacques Yves Cousteau articulated:

“Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.”

Marine debris on a beach in the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge. By U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

A significant problem occurs because plastics do not biodegrade. Under the influence of sunlight however, plastics fragment into small particles known as microplastics. Lives of marine organisms throughout our oceans are devastatingly impacted by plastic and microplastic as they become entangled with it, leading to suffocation, or they ingest it - marine mammals are most affected by entanglement, whereas marine birds suffer most from ingestion. 

Dead Albatross with ingested plastic. By Chris Jordan (via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters), via Wikimedia Commons

Plastics contain harmful chemicals that, when marine organisms ingest microplastics, leach out and enter the food web. This creates serious and far reaching threats that are not limited to marine organisms – millions of people rely on fish as their primary source of protein.[1]

As we move forward, increasingly there are signs of reduction in the use of plastic and the promotion of more responsible waste management solutions, such as recycling. Education undoubtedly plays a substantial role in creating awareness of such consequential issues and can lay the foundation for future generations to live in a more harmonious way with our planet. However, our work is not yet done. Many organisations are working towards cleaning our oceans and in a future post I’ll be sharing the information of a variety of such organisations, so why not get involved?



- Ben



References:

[1] Hammer, J., Kraak, M.H.S. and Parsons, J.R., 2012. Plastics in the Marine Environment: The Dark Side of a Modern Gift. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 220, doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3414-6_1

[2] Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., Narayan, R. and Law, K. L., 2015. Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science 347, doi: 10.1126/science.1260352

A JAUNT ON THE MOOR

Schorhill stone circle, Dartmoor. By Herbythyme (Own work) GFDL: http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html, via Wikimedia Commons

As part of the second year of my Environmental Science degree at Plymouth University I had the opportunity to take part in a course named Education through Expeditions (ETE) Leadership Award. A course designed to develop self-confidence, project management skills and leadership styles that can be applied in all aspects of life.  

It began with a series of theoretical based workshops that explored a wide range of concepts and ideas that contribute to the title of “being a leader”, involving individual reflection and group activities; with much emphasis on team work. An interesting concept I explored was different leadership styles that were presented in the form of a four colour triangle:

RED – authoritative, very task orientated - potentially at the expense of other things (e.g. team morale), could be compared to a dictator; “it’s my way or the highway!”

GREEN – analytical, concerned with doing things in the correct manner and “by the book”.

BLUE – people orientated, concerned with making sure team morale is high with members working cohesively and harmoniously.

YELLOW – in the middle of the triangle, rather “adaptable” a yellow will mould into any which way accepting what the rest of the team suggests.

These sessions provided me the opportunity to delve into self-reflection not only to discover how I might fit into different leadership styles but to also, through understanding myself, understand others.

The culmination of the course involved a two day expedition in Dartmoor National Park. This put into real perspective the ideas and concepts explored in the workshops. The first day proved challenging to us all as we trudged over the moor in gale force winds curtesy of Hurricane Ophelia; by the end of which I found myself rather fond of as the whistling winds harmonised my humming of a song with the same name – Ophelia – to the beat of the teams’ boots.

My team and I, Dartmoor. By Georgia Pengelly (own work).

The two days involved leading and being led, navigating across the moor. When seeing the theory put into real life situations, it struck me that people cannot be defined as only red, green, blue or yellow but leadership styles that people adopt change. The terrain and conditions were a major influence – when the going got tough heads tended to go down and the leader would morph to red. However when the going was good and the team knew exactly where we were, a more green/blue style would be adopted. When lost (rather easy to do if you have little experience on Dartmoor!) it was a toss-up between green and red. I learned that people cannot simply be put into clear cut categories of leadership styles and characteristics but we all have the potential to be red, green, blue or yellow and it is situational, skill and team dependent. It is a matter of having the awareness to know when to adopt a certain leadership style.



- Ben