State of the Oceans — Log 8
YOUR WEEKLY BRIEFING FROM PARLEY
Photo by Mandy Barker
PLASTIC POLLUTION
A new study has found that 90% of table salt brands worldwide contain tiny, invisible pollutants: microplastics. Researchers analyzed sea, lake and rock salt from 21 countries. The analysis was the first of its scale to look at the geographical spread of microplastics in table salt and how it correlates with plastic pollution levels in the environment.
RECYCLING
The United Kingdom’s plastics recycling industry is facing an investigation into suspected widespread abuse, corruption and fraud. Six exporters have had their license suspended or cancelled in the last three months. Allegations include that UK plastic waste is not being recycled and is being left to leak into rivers and oceans.
CONSERVATION
After recovering from the brink of extinction, the North Atlantic right whale population has dwindled to about 450 individuals. Entanglement in fishing gear is considered one of the biggest threats. A group of scientists, regulators, animal rights groups and fishermen recently met in Providence to review easier-breaking ropes that might help the species.
MARINE LIFE
Sea snail shells dissolve in increasingly acidified oceans. Researches found that shelled marine creatures face a fight for survival as the impacts of climate change spread. The study, conducted between the University of Tsukuba, Japan, and the University of Plymouth, UK, suggests that some calcifying species might be unable to adapt to the acidified seawater if carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise unchecked.
POLICY
Jamaica is introducing a ban on single-use plastic bags, plastic straws and Styrofoam in a bid to reduce the impact plastic is having on the environment. The island nation is also embarking on a campaign to reduce how much plastic enters marine environments by encouraging citizens to reduce their plastic use. The ban will take effect January 1st 2019 and will become part of an international effort to reduce pollution.
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