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Ocean Literacy

Microplastics: From rubbish bins to your next meal

A sunny day, clear skies, and warm sands. Relaxing at the beach can put one at ease and take all the troubles away. This picture asks a darker question: How much plastic can you find? During a beach cleanup, one group of volunteers collected two, one-gallon buckets weighing in at 20 pounds total. The majority of the culprits consisted of small plastic pieces (94 pieces smaller than an inch) and plastic bottle caps (42 pieces). Plastic entangled in seaweed and a nearby road means increased pollution heading out to sea. Those were just the plastics seen with the naked eye. What you think is sand could actually be bits of broken down plastic.

Most plastics have a significantly short time being used compared to how long they take to break down. A takeaway cup from our favorite coffee shops can take 30 years to break down, but that does not mean it goes away completely. They break down into smaller fragments and leach into our waterways. Microbeads were a hit with hygiene products, especially exfoliating face cleansers. Every day, people wash with face wash or exfoliating hand soap. The small plastic beads have a use for a minute or two before being washed down the drain. Water treatment plants only catch so much, with as much as 170,900 particles per kilogram reported in sewer sludge. Sewer sludge is a byproduct of waste treatment, consisting of semi-solid organic matter such as food waste, human waste, and contaminants. Sludge can be used in agriculture, meaning microplastics in sludge enter the environment. What does not end up in sludge goes into the water. Microbeads from cosmetics and skin care products slip through the treatment plants’ filters and make their way to the nearest outsource: ponds, lakes, and streams. Commercial and recreational fishing are also large contributors to plastic pollution in the ocean. Nylon nets and fishing line break or are improperly disposed of, increasing the chances of them being washed out to sea with the incoming tide.

Oceanic gyre locations

Oceanic gyre locations

The macro- and micro-plastics that do not end up back on land are swept away by the ocean currents. The plastic gets caught in the middle of oceanic gyres, or large rotating currents, and floats together to create patches of plastic ‘land’. There are five major gyres: northern and southern Pacific Ocean, northern and southern Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean. They are located at the furthest points between land masses and are responsible for churning the ocean, making sure water flows across the globe. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between the Americas and Asia, has the highest concentration of plastic on Earth, measuring 1.6 million square kilometers as of 2021. Ocean currents meet and create a self-rotating system where warm water meets cold water. These currents carry buoyant materials with them, which get trapped in the gyre. Once there, both macro- and micro-plastics sit static, degrading over time from the sun’s heat which introduces chemicals to the water and increases chances of ingestion. Marine animals not only eat plastic, but get trapped in nets, bags, and other plastic pieces floating loosely on these masses. Entanglement of marine mammals can alter behavioral characteristics, like decreased success with foraging and limiting mobility, or cause physical stress, causing abrasions and asphyxiation. If the animal is unable to untangle itself, it will grow with the plastic around them which leads to increased stress and mortality.

Infographic for microplastics through food web
Microplastics through the food web
Infographic explaining symbols for microplastics through food web

Macro- and micro-plastics in water systems are mistaken for food throughout the trophic levels. Located at the bottom of the food web are zooplankton. They mistake microplastic as food items and consume them, which then are eaten by fish and crustaceans. Larger predators consume their prey items until there is nowhere left to go. This causes harm to multiple species since plastic uptake accumulates through the trophic levels, or where an organism is in the food chain like in Figure 3. Research observed an equal amount of microplastic intake compared to food items in cod located in northern Alaska. The cod are not getting the nutrients they need to survive, leading to decreased health, blocked intestinal systems, and ultimately increased mortalities. For animals who rely on cod to meet their dietary and nutritional needs, there is a lack of nourishment if the cod only eats plastic. This is such a common phenomenon that researchers now take plastic into consideration when building food webs, introducing new systems solely based on plastic movement through the ecosystem. Moving up the food web, marine birds are affected by microplastics as they eat fish and use them to feed their young. Like fish, birds can also mistake plastic pieces on the beach as prey. Marine birds take in food near the ocean’s surface, and studies dating back as far as the 1960s have shown plastic in their intestinal tracts. A study in 1969 documented stomach contents of 100 Laysan albatross (Diomedia immutabilis) carcasses. Approximately 94% of the objects were buoyant, with 30% being documented as plastic. In the span of 50 years, however, increased plastic means increased consumption and more species affected.

While humans do not consider themselves animals, they are part of the same food web all wildlife partakes in. Humans are high in the food chain, farming fish in artificial ponds similar to how cows are farmed for beef; this action is referred to as aquaculture. Aquatic food items are diet staples for some cultures, and tracing plastic through the food chain can help us find which, if any, specific marine species are microplastic sources. On small islands, humans use the soil itself as food, including it in spices, marinades, and bread. A study conducted in 2022 observed plastic in all soil samples on the island of Hormoz, located close to Iran. A significant amount of these plastics were fibrous materials that came from local or tourist clothing.

Single-use plastics break down over time, allowing microplastics to seep into our bodies and our ecosystems. Reusing plastic containers and bottles is harmful to a person’s health. The amount of microplastics in our waterways makes the simple act of consuming salt or drinking water from the tap hazardous, increasing one’s plastic intake. Research shows a single person ingests as much as millions of microplastics in a year, and a study conducted in 2021 found microplastics, a completely man-made material, inside women’s placentas. The plastics were linked to dyes, colorants, and stains that are found in finger paints, clothing, and air fresheners. We are contaminated before we are even born. Once inside the body, plastics break down and become part of the system, inhibiting metabolism and increasing obesity risk.

A picture of plastics in nature
It lasts longer than you think

Demand for plastic has been steadily rising across the globe since its creation in 1907. From the smallest creeks to the largest oceans, plastic is found in all water bodies. However, we see little improvement in recycling methods. Each type of plastic may require a different way to recycle it due to its chemical makeup. It is important we work more efficiently and effectively to control our plastic pollution. Increasing recycling centers as well as the efficiency of existing centers can decrease microplastic pollution. Organizations like Alliance for the Great Lakes can help clean up plastics already on coastlines and beaches. Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit organization, uses metal grates to catch debris in rivers, as well as patrol with nets in the ocean to catch stray rubbish. However, it is up to the individual to take the initiative as well. Whether it is a park, beach, or shopping mall, it is important to dispose of rubbish appropriately. Even if it is not yours, it would help the environment if you took it with you to throw it away in the proper receptacles. We must all do our part to keep the Earth plastic-free.

Sara Dzialowy

About the Author
Sara Dzialowy is an Aquarist Intern at OdySea Aquarium and a Master’s student in the Art of Biology through Project Dragonfly at Miami University-Ohio and Brookfield Zoo. With a focus on aquatic conservation and public education, she is passionate about inspiring others to protect marine life.

References

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Issue 132 - May 2026

SeaKeepers Welcomes Dr. Mark Luther as First Scientist Chairman, Marking a New Era for Ocean Research

The International SeaKeepers Society marks a historic milestone, appointing Dr. Mark Luther of the University of South Florida as its first scientist Chairman, succeeding Jay Wade and signaling a deeper scientific chapter for the yachting-led conservation organization.
Jay Wade and Dr. Mark Luther of The International SeaKeepers Society
Outgoing Chairman Jay Wade with incoming Scientist Chairman Dr. Mark Luther. Photo: SeaKeepers.

April 10, 2026. The Board of Directors of The International SeaKeepers Society has announced a leadership transition, extending its deepest gratitude to outgoing Chairman Jay Wade and welcoming Dr. Mark Luther as the organization’s first scientist Chairman, a historic milestone for the ocean conservation NGO.

During his tenure, Jay Wade provided steady, thoughtful leadership, guiding the organization through a period of growth while remaining anchored in SeaKeepers’ mission to advance oceanographic research, conservation, and marine education. A passionate advocate for the yachting and boating community, Wade championed a vision of transforming private vessels into platforms for scientific discovery, expanding the organization’s global reach and strengthening its role as a bridge between ocean science and the maritime industry.

A first scientist Chairman for SeaKeepers

Dr. Mark Luther brings decades of expertise in physical oceanography and maritime systems, alongside a lifelong connection to the water. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and currently serves as Professor and Director of the Center for Maritime and Port Studies at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science.

With over 30 years of experience supporting oceanographic observation systems, including longstanding work with NOAA’s Tampa Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System, Dr. Luther has been at the forefront of integrating science with real-world maritime operations. His leadership extends across key regional and federal committees, where he collaborates closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities, and maritime stakeholders to address environmental challenges tied to marine transportation.

A dedicated member of the SeaKeepers community, Dr. Luther has served as Chair of the organization’s Scientific Advisory Council, helping to guide and elevate its scientific initiatives. He is also an avid boater and U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain, having spent more than four decades navigating the waters of Tampa Bay and Florida’s west coast.

“With years of dedicated service to SeaKeepers, Mark brings a deep understanding of our mission to this role. It is exciting to see him step into the position of Chairman and help guide the organization forward.”

Jay Wade, outgoing Chairman, The International SeaKeepers Society

Dr. Luther’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for SeaKeepers, one that deepens the organization’s scientific leadership while continuing to engage the global fleet in meaningful ocean research, education, and conservation.

About The International SeaKeepers Society. The International SeaKeepers Society works with the yachting community to take part in research, conservation, and educational efforts that advance the health of the ocean. Learn more at seakeepers.org or @seakeepers on social.

Adapted from a press release issued by The International SeaKeepers Society on April 10, 2026.

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Issue 132 - May 2026

Falmouth Harbour Trials the World’s First All-Concrete Pontoon Float to Replace EPS in Marinas

Falmouth Harbour is trialling the world’s first all-concrete marina pontoon, designed by Cornwall-based ScaffFloat, as a recyclable alternative to Expanded Polystyrene floats and a step toward cutting marine microplastic pollution.

Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. Falmouth Harbour is trialling the world’s first all-concrete marina pontoon float, designed and built by the team at ScaffFloat in neighbouring Penryn, in a first step to removing all Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) floats from its leisure and commercial operations.

The Harbour has pledged to move away from EPS products in the light of mounting evidence that polystyrene microplastics in the world’s oceans inflict serious damage on the marine environment and life within it. Polystyrene, globally used for its lightness and buoyancy, is made from fossil fuels, is virtually un-decomposable, and when it breaks down into microplastics can be ingested by marine life with devastating consequences.

“The amount of broken-up polystyrene around our creeks and rivers, particularly after this year’s storms, is awful to see and very hard to clean up without damaging the delicate ecology of our shorelines. Expanded Polystyrene fragments in the marine environment pose a serious ecological concern, as seabirds, fish, turtles and other fauna mistake EPS beads for food, which can cause internal injuries or death; entering the food chain poses health risks to humans as well.”

Vicki Spooner, Environment Manager, Falmouth Harbour

Inside the Reef Float: an inert, recyclable alternative to EPS

Penryn marine company ScaffFloat Ltd has tackled the challenge of finding alternatives to traditional pontoons by inventing the “Reef Float.” Their first commercial prototype, made entirely from concrete, has been undergoing trials beneath a Falmouth Harbour pontoon. ScaffFloat developed the new product as part of a business development project that received £284,787 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of Cornwall’s Good Growth Programme.

The Reef Float’s buoyant core is made using ultra-low-density waterproof concrete, instead of EPS foam, and the core is then cast inside a high-strength engineered concrete skin. In the highly unlikely event that a Reef Float ever failed, the materials would simply sit inertly as stone in the marine environment, whereas a cracked-open EPS float exposes its polystyrene foam core to the marine elements.

“We replaced a failing EPS pontoon float at Falmouth Harbour with a Reef Float, where it survived all that this January’s storms could throw at it. It’s what we would expect, of course, as we’ve designed it to be strong with an ultra-long life. But it’s also completely inert in the marine environment and 100 percent recyclable, so a game-changing alternative to the EPS floats currently used all over the world.”

Toby Budd, Founder and Managing Director, ScaffFloat

Local innovation, global stage

Local MP Jayne Kirkham, checking out the new Reef Float in Falmouth, called it “exactly the kind of innovation we want to see in Cornwall: local businesses developing practical but cutting-edge solutions to global environmental challenges. Cutting polystyrene pollution from our waters while creating skilled jobs is a win for our marine environment and our economy. I’m proud to see government funding helping projects like this lead the way.”

“Falmouth Harbour has made the conscious decision to move away from EPS foam pontoons in all our operations, and it’s fantastic that our neighbours at ScaffFloat are the first company to offer a plastic-free alternative. Reef Floats are easily installed, in situ, on a rolling basis, as and when we need to replace old EPS floats, and they have a zero-cost, 100 percent recyclable end-of-life disposal. It’s another tremendous example of Cornish ingenuity, and we look forward to working with them into the future.”

Miles Carden, CEO, Falmouth Harbour

The Reef Float team has been shortlisted for the Innovation Award at Marina26 in Australia this May, with an invitation to attend and present at the biggest marina conference in the world, demonstrating what a major issue EPS has become for the marina industry and legislative authorities alike.

Australia itself lost more than 1,000 pontoons in the 2022 Queensland floods, where they broke up and created an environmental disaster known as the “White Spill,” with the ocean and beaches covered with EPS balls that were almost impossible to clear up.

Learn more. For more information on Reef Float and parent company ScaffFloat, visit scafffloat.co.uk/reeffloat. For more on Falmouth Harbour, including its wide-ranging environmental initiatives, see falmouthharbour.co.uk.

Adapted from a press release issued by Louise Midgley Communications, on behalf of ScaffFloat and Falmouth Harbour.

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Conservation Photography

Little Cayman Hope Spot Shows Early Signs of Reef Recovery After the World’s Most Extreme Coral Bleaching Event

CCMI’s 2025 Healthy Reefs Report Card shows Little Cayman’s coral cover edging back to 13.4 percent, an early but unmistakable sign that the island’s reefs are beginning to recover from the world’s most extreme coral bleaching event.

Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. Marking Earth Day 2026, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) released its 2025 Healthy Reefs Report Card, revealing early signs of recovery and renewed hope for Little Cayman’s reefs after the most extreme coral bleaching event on record in 2023.

The summer of 2023 was the hottest ever measured, and it brought with it one of the most extensive global coral bleaching events in modern history, decimating reefs from the Caribbean to the Indo-Pacific and casting their future in doubt. CCMI’s Healthy Reefs campaign has tracked Little Cayman’s reefs since 1998, and the 2024 surveys delivered the bleakest numbers in the program’s history: coral cover had collapsed to 9.8 percent, down from 26 percent before the marine heatwave.

This year’s data tells a different story. The 2025 surveys, summarized in the new Report Card, show coral cover edging back up to 13.4 percent. The shift is not yet statistically significant, but the direction is unmistakable: recovery in Little Cayman has begun.

A site-by-site picture

Zoom in from the island-wide average and the recovery looks more layered. Twenty percent of surveyed sites posted a significant increase in coral cover between 2024 and 2025. One site, Coral City, held the line entirely through the bleaching, exhibiting no significant loss. In total, 30 percent of sites have either maintained pre-bleaching coral levels or demonstrated significant recovery this year. The remaining 70 percent show either minor, non-significant recovery or no recovery at all.

Reef recovery is rarely visible on a 12 to 24 month horizon. Corals are slow-growing animals, and even after a disturbance ends, biologists typically expect at least three years before measurable rebound, and a minimum of seven years (sometimes nearly thirty) for a reef to return to pre-bleaching baselines. Against that timeline, what CCMI is recording in 2025 is striking: the resilience built into Little Cayman, with strong protections and minimal local disturbance, appears to be doing exactly what reef science predicts it should do.

Fish populations holding the line

While coral cover is still climbing back, fish populations have continued to thrive. CCMI has documented consistent increases in fish density since 2016, with a dramatic jump in density and biomass in 2024 that held through 2025. That matters more than it might sound: herbivorous fish keep macro-algae in check, and when algae is left unchecked it can smother corals and block new recruits from settling. A healthy reef-fish community is, in many ways, what makes coral recovery possible at all.

A Hope Spot earning its name

Little Cayman is a Mission Blue Hope Spot, a designation that frames the island as a small-but-mighty example of what marine protection can look like when conservation is prioritized. Under the pressures the ocean is now under, that framing reads less like marketing copy and more like a working hypothesis the reef is steadily proving out.

The island has form here. Little Cayman’s Nassau grouper spawning aggregation rebounded from roughly 1,000 individuals to nearly 9,000 over a decade, one of the most cited recovery stories in the Caribbean. The early coral signal in the 2025 Report Card could become another chapter in that record.

The nursery, and three resilient genotypes

CCMI’s coral nursery was hit hard during the 2023 bleaching, losing close to 90 percent of its stock. Genetic work in the aftermath identified three staghorn coral genotypes that survived nearly 20 degree-heating weeks. Since 2023, those three genotypes have rebuilt the nursery from just 17 fragments to nearly 300 as of March 2026. CCMI’s nursery likely represents one of the last remaining populations of the critically endangered staghorn coral, Acropora cervicornis, in Little Cayman.

Why this matters beyond Little Cayman

Hope Spots like Little Cayman do not just protect their own waters. They function as larval source populations, exporting recruits along ocean currents to less resilient reefs downstream. In a warming ocean where many sites have lost their capacity to bounce back unaided, these pockets of resilience are increasingly the difference between regional collapse and regional recovery.

The 2025 numbers do not erase what 2023 took. Coral cover is still well below pre-heatwave levels, and the recovery is partial, uneven, and fragile. But for the first time since the bleaching, the trendline is pointing in the right direction. As CCMI puts it, research and science-based actions are critical right now to understand the ecological processes driving this resilience and to translate that understanding into management and protection.

Acknowledgments

CCMI thanks this year’s Healthy Reefs sponsors: Wheaton Precious Metals International, Foster’s Supermarket, Cayman Water, and Ugland Properties; and the Restoration program sponsors who made the work possible: The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, Artex Cayman Islands, Walkers, and Marfire.

Read the full 2025 Healthy Reefs Report Card at tinyurl.com/CCMI-25HRR and learn more about the Healthy Reefs campaign at reefresearch.org/our-work/research/healthy-reefs/.

Adapted from a press release issued by the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), April 22, 2026. Photo credit: CCMI.

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