June 8 - World Oceans Day

Take time to consider our oceans. They cover 70% of the planet - hence Blue Planet. The microscopic phytoplankton and some bacteria photosynthesise like trees, absorbing huge amounts of CO2 and providing half the oxygen we breathe. They are the food source for not only all oceanic fish and mammals but also many land based animals that are dependent on fish and seals as food. The icy poles reflect sunlight back into space, helping to keep the planet cool and the oceanic streams regulate climate. Coral reefs, although only taking up a minute percentage of the sea bed, are the nurseries for most fish. Top predators, like sharks and dolphins, by eating smaller fish, regulate the whole system, keeping it in balance. We are dependent on healthy oceans.

Recently I have done two big talks, as in long, which have been great in terms of being able to talk in depth about everything I’ve done, know and learning. One was to a transition town, so all really engaged with some in depth questions, and the other at a Vegan Fair, so able to make the connections with the state of our marine life. 

I am contributing 4 outfits to an up cycled fashion event on July 22. Three pieces reflect my expeditions and the fourth, encourages sustainable fashion. I will post photos after the event. On the back of this work I am being sought to do workshops on fashion and sustainability; relevant to micro plastics because 80% of fast fashion uses fossil fuel derived polyester which contributes significant micro plastic fibres during wear and washing and disposal.

Four upcoming expeditions

BBC image of Phytoplankton Bloom taken from Satellite
Earth from Space

Phytoplankton are the ‘plants’ of the oceans, capturing Sunlight, minerals and Carbon Dioxide, and through photosynthesis creating nutrients and oxygen. They form the basis of the marine food chain and create 50% of atmospheric  oxygen. Like all marine life, they are in trouble; affected both by warming oceans and pollution. Notably plastic pollution. As plastics are increasingly broken down by the actions of sunlight and mechanical forces into smaller particles (micro plastics and even nano plastics) they are becoming part of the planktonic blooms and being taken up by microscopic organisms as ‘food’. And so micro plastics enter the food chain.

Micro plastics attract man made pollutants, such as PCB’s, plasticisers, mercury chloride, DDT derivatives, fire retardants and fabric coatings etc etc. Chemicals which make their way into the marine environment from land based sources. These chemicals mimic oestrogen. Although only present in very low concentrations, their impact on marine life and ourselves is not known. 30% of fish are known to contain micro plastics. The Hebridean West Coast population of resident orcas feed on seals (high in food chain), they have not bred for several years and are known to have high levels of PCB’s in their blubber.

This summer I will be continuing my research and outreach work into marine micro plastics with 3 expeditions. Two by canoe, down the River Wye and another canal trip (any suggestions) and the third, walking a coastal path during peak holiday season to create plastic artworks on beaches.

Next summer I am taking part in another sailing expedition to sample for plastics in the Arctic. Any financial contributions to this would be hugely appreciated. As a thank you, you will receive personal emails with photos and regular updates.

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