Plastic in Polar Environments

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Plastic pollution is recognised as a global problem, but little is known about the distribution and sources of plastic in the Polar Regions, particularly around Antarctica.

The Plastic-AG aims to: examine the presence, origin and biological effects of macro-, micro- and nanoplastics; quantify the scale of the problem; and propose solutions for minimising the environmental risk and impacts on Polar ecosystems.

About

We will address the following key scientific questions:

  • What is the occurrence and distribution of plastics (nano, micro and macro) in Polar environments?
  • What are the sources and fates of plastic in the Polar Regions?
  • What are the impacts on Polar ecosystems?
  • What are the potential remediation/mitigation solutions in the Polar Regions?
Plastic disentangling seal web

Global production of plastics is increasing rapidly, with over 340 million metric tons produced worldwide in 2016. Recent estimates suggest there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050. Because of the persistence and longevity of plastics, it is likely that the problem will only get worse. While there has been a great deal of research in the more populated regions of the world, little is known about plastic pollution in Polar Regions. The Plastic-AG aims to assess the current state of the problem, share knowledge and expertise and propose solutions to the problems of plastic pollution in Polar ecosystems. This is an emerging and timely area of research which we believe necessitates a coordinated scientific focus.

The main aims of the AG are to:

  1. Establish a network of researchers interested in plastic pollution in the Polar Regions.
  2. Plastic albatross string webCollate information on plastic pollution in the Antarctic and Arctic regions.
  3. Estimate current levels of pollution at the poles in terms of occurrence, sources and distribution, using both direct and remote observations and modelling approaches.
  4. Understand the impacts of all plastics on biological systems by investigating ecological, ecophysiological and ecotoxicological aspects and potential transfer of micro- and nanoplastics along terrestrial and marine food chains.
  5. Assess technology development and to standardise procedures (best practices) for plastic sampling and monitoring in Polar environments.
  6. Propose new measures to reduce and/or limit plastic pollution in Polar environments.

 

News and Updates from the Plastic in Polar Environments Community.

Members

Contact

The chairs of the Plastic-AG are Ilaria Corsi and Clara Manno.

Membership

If you are interested in joining Plastic-AG, please sign up to the list server circulation list here.

Members of the Plastic-AG Steering Committee:

Cath Waller University of Hull UK
Claire Waluda British Antarctic Survey UK
Ilaria Corsi Università di Siena Italy
Clara Manno British Antarctic Survey UK
Elisa Bergami Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia Italy
Group members

Resources

Publications, Data and Links of interest to the Plastic in Polar Environments Community.

Ocean Decade Laboratory Live Event

Data
Links

Ocean Decade Laboratory Live Event

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Event title: Plastic pollution in the Southern Ocean: a global outlook

Date: 10 March 2022

Summary:
Plastic pollution has become a global environmental issue, reaching even the most pristine and remote wildernesses of our planet such as the Southern Ocean (SO). SO biodiversity and ecosystem functions are vulnerable to plastic pollution and detrimental impacts are expected on wildlife. Understanding the sources of plastics entering from within and outside the SO and quantifying the scale of the problem are necessary to minimize any environmental threat to SO biodiversity and ecosystem services. This Satellite activity aims to engage a conversation on plastic pollution in the SO within the broader perspective of the Global Ocean. Innovative solutions and mitigating actions at national and global levels to tackle the issue of plastic pollution in this region will been envisaged.

Summary slides of the event.

Host:
SCAR Plastic in Polar Environments Action Group steering committee

Moderators:
Clara Manno, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge (UK)
Claire Waluda, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge (UK)
Ilaria Corsi, University of Siena (Italy)
Cath Waller, University Hull (UK)
Elisa Bergami, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy)

Panelists:
Steve Fletcher, Director of the Sustainability and the Environment Research Theme, University of Portsmouth, UK
Hyoung Chul Shin, Vice President of Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), Korea
Louise Emmerson, Australian Antarctic Division, Australia
Marcelo Leppe Cartes, Director, Nacional del Instituto Antártico Chileno, Chile
Dr Ilka Peeken, marine biologist, Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany

Key audience:
Multidisciplinary audience with different backgrounds (academics, businesses, environmental agencies, management bodies) both operating in the SO and those externally who have an impact on the SO.