Plastic Pollution and Reef Manta Rays: Sources and Exposure

Plastic pollution is ubiquitous and increasing in the marine environment, particularly in remote locations. The effects on marine life include entanglement, ingestion, and potential leaching of toxic plastic additives into tissues. A study investigated the exposure of reef manta rays to plastic pollution in a remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean, including abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear, and microplastics. Additionally, it examined the origins of plastic drink bottles on the beaches of the Chagos Archipelago to understand the origins of the debris, and make Extended Producer Responsibility recommendations in the Global Plastics Treaty currently being negotiated by the United Nations.

Dr Jessica Savage is a recent PhD graduate from the London NERC Doctoral Training Programme, based at Royal Holloway University of London and the Institute of Zoology (Zoological Society of London). Her research interests include the exposure of species to plastic pollution using suitable habitat modelling, empirical plastic sampling, and brand audits of debris to understand their origins. She also enjoys science communication and public engagement with audiences ranging from school students to policymakers.