News

New data gathered in the Volvo Ocean Race reveals higher concentrations of microplastics found near to major cities

The scientific research, using data collected by Race team ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’, identified 75 particles of microplastics per cubic metre in waters near Hong Kong and 87 particles of microplastics per cubic metre along the coast near Melbourne. Lower concentrations of 39 microplastic particles per cubic meter were found up the east coast…
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“The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” described in Nature Scientific Reports

Described in Nature Scientific Reports, ‘The Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ is a major ocean plastic accumulation formed in waters between California and Hawaii. Data from multi-vessel surveys predicted at least 79 thousand tonnes are floating inside an area of 1.6 million km2; a figure much higher than previously reported. Read more at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-22939-w

Postdoc position “Identity and functioning of microbes degrading plastic in contrasting marine environments for the ERC Project Vortex”

The department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB; principal investigator dr. Helge Niemann) is looking for a highly motivated Postdoc with a strong background in analysing microbial diversity and functioning (e.g. DNA/RNA-seq, FISH), ideally in combination with stable isotope probing. Your research will be part of the ERC Project VORTEX. LOCATION:         …
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Plastic ends up on the ocean floor

According to a new research report from SINTEF in Norway, ninety percent of plastic fragments in the sea end up on the ocean floor. The Norwegian Environment Agency is alarmed by this figure, and has just sent a number of proposed measures to the Ministry of Climate and the Environment. “This is an alarming prospect”,…
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Solving the world’s plastic problem

Many of us are aware of the problems that plastics pose for the environment. Today we hear about some of the solutions that businesses are finding to prevent quite so much of it ending up in landfill or the ocean. Vivienne Nunis visits the site of a new recycling machine that turns plastic packaging back into…
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Study Finds 73% of Deep Water Fish Ingested Microplastics

https://t.co/wyCv0cgJQe vía @YouTube

Helcom declaration renews commitment for a healthy BalticSea

State of the Baltic Sea Report shows more efforts are needed to tackle eutrophication & marine litter. Download report

Billions of pieces of plastic on coral reefs send disease soaring, research reveals

Billions of pieces of plastic on coral reefs send disease soaring, research reveals A major new study estimates 11bn pieces of plastic contaminate vital reefs and result in infections: ‘It’s like getting gangrene,’ scientists warn Damian Carrington Environment editor @dpcarrington Thu 25 Jan 2018 19.00 GMT Last modified on Thu 25 Jan 2018 22.00 GMT    …
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25 innovative solutions to combat plastic marine litter

25 innovative solutions to combat plastic marine litter: A unique tool for businesses, entrepreneurs and civil society organizations in the Med Region to take action 12 Diciembre 2017 | Actualizado: 18 Diciembre 2017     A new publication of UN Environment/MAP – SCP/RAC intends to inspire and provide practical indications to implement marine litter solutions…
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Reducing marine litter: action on single use plastics and fishing gear

About this consultation Consultation period 15 December 2017 – 12 February 2018 Policy areas Environment, Maritime affairs and fisheries, Climate action Departments Environment Target group General public, business associations, companies, researchers and experts, NGOs, international organisations and institutions, fishermen and fisheries organisations Objective of the consultation To provide input, opinions and data for preparation of…
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