Science Spotlight Archives - eXXpedition

8th International Day of Women & Girls in Science February 10th, 2023

In Conversation with Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones January 11th, 2023

Press release: Study demonstrates how microplastic particles differ across the Atlantic Ocean November 22nd, 2022

Restoring Redonda : A story of resilience, hope and collaboration November 22nd, 2022

7th International Marine Debris Conference, Busan 2022 October 4th, 2022

eXXpedition Round the World Caribbean Research Discussion September 17th, 2021

Press Release: First holistic assessment of plastic pollution in the Caribbean August 3rd, 2021

Science, technology and expeditions with Perkin Elmer June 25th, 2021

Crew Conducts a Waste Management Survey January 27th, 2021

World Cleanup Day 2020 September 21st, 2020

Look and See March 2nd, 2020

Let the science begin October 12th, 2019

eXXpedition Tagged Marine Debris Ball Retrieved from Pacific Ocean September 25th, 2019

Day 23 Crew Update: Science for non-scientists July 25th, 2018

Day 22 Crew Update: Starting the science July 24th, 2018

Day 10 Crew Update: 1,000 pieces of plastic July 7th, 2018

Day 9 Crew Update: Tracking Marine Debris July 5th, 2018

Day 6 Crew Update: Making the Unseen Seen through Citizen Science July 2nd, 2018

Meet eXXpedition scientist Jeanette Rotchell September 9th, 2017

Meet eXXpedition scientist Oksana Lane September 5th, 2017

Crew Update: Round Britain Day 16 August 28th, 2017

Meet eXXpedition scientist Christopher Green August 27th, 2017

Meet eXXpedition scientist Stephanie Wright August 20th, 2017

Meet eXXpedition scientist Mario Meier August 17th, 2017

Meet eXXpedition scientist Winnie Courtene-Jones August 15th, 2017

eXX RB: The Importance of Continued Ocean Plastic Research May 9th, 2017

Citizen Science in Grenada for Caribbean 2017 April 9th, 2017

Major source of microplastic pollution January 16th, 2016

Citizen Science December 12th, 2015

Science update November 17th, 2015

RESEARCH – Scientists find plastic debris in fish September 29th, 2015

The Halifax Report – Making the unseen chemicals causing cancer seen August 14th, 2015

There’s no silver bullet to solve plastic pollut

There’s no silver bullet to solve plastic pollution. This means our approach to studying the issue needs to be diverse.

A lot of our research to date has focused on understanding the extent, source and impact of microplastics in the ocean. We do this by conducting holistic assessments of marine and land-based plastic pollution.

Whether it be conducting circularity assessment (CAP) surveys on land or collecting sub-surface samples at sea, we have to look at each piece of the puzzle. We build up a complete picture of the problem in order to pinpoint where the solutions lie on land.

Again and again our holistic approach, and the results it yields, has highlighted the need for more interdisciplinary and integrated studies. Plastic pollution is a multifaceted issue, which can only be understood and tackled via a multifaceted approach to research and solutions.

📸: @larkrisepictures

#eXXpedition #plasticpollution #changemakers #oceanplastics #microplastics #womenwhosail #marinescience #marineresearch #solutionfocused #adventure #changemakers

Microplastics aren’t just in our ocean - they’

Microplastics aren’t just in our ocean - they’re in our soil too.

A new study by the @‌jameshuttoninst has found that just four years of applying sewage sludge to farmland led to a staggering 1,450% increase in microplastics in the soil. And perhaps more worrying - these particles have remained for over two decades.

While sludge is commonly used as fertiliser, it's often laden with microplastics from household waste, synthetic clothing fibres, and personal care products. Once in the soil, these particles don’t simply stay put - they break down into even smaller nanoplastics, with the potential to enter food chains and disrupt soil health.

Yet at present, there are no regulations that limit the amount of microplastic in sewage sludge applied to land.

At eXXpedition, we often speak about the journey of plastic from land to sea - but this is a clear reminder that the story begins much earlier, and often invisibly. It’s time to rethink how we manage waste and protect both ocean and soil ecosystems from long-lasting plastic pollution.

Let’s connect the dots between land and sea.

#exxpedition #microplastics #plasticpollution #wastemanagement #solutions #seatosource #nanoplastics #newstudy #wavesofchange

We’re thrilled to celebrate the upcoming release

We’re thrilled to celebrate the upcoming release of The Nature of Fashion — a powerful new book by our incredible ambassador @carrysomers, co-founder of @fash_rev and one of the most inspiring voices in sustainable fashion!

In this beautifully written journey through landscapes, fibres and time, Carry takes us on a journey through the origins of what we wear — exploring how plants have shaped fashion for millennia, and how they might hold the key to a more regenerative, nature-connected future.

Books like this are vital. They remind us that fashion isn’t just about trends — it’s about ecosystems, histories, cultures, and choices. As we work to rethink the systems polluting our oceans, it’s voices like Carry’s that show how reconnecting with nature can drive real, systemic change across industries.

Since joining us on board from the Galápagos to Easter Island, Carry has continued to make waves across industries, championing transparency, regeneration and justice from soil to stitch. This book is not just a call to reconnect with nature — it’s a roadmap for reshaping fashion’s future.

A huge congratulations, Carry — we can’t wait to see how this book inspires the next wave of changemakers. 📖

Available wherever you get your books from the 16th September in the UK and 11th November in the US!

#thenatureoffashion #carrysomers #barnesandnoble #BNPreorder #fashionrevolution #sustainablefashion #slowfashion #regenerativefashion #ecofashion #eXXpedition #ambassador #wavesofimpact #womeninsustainability #changemakers #consciousconsumer

We love this reminder from our ambassador, Claudia

We love this reminder from our ambassador, Claudia Haltern!

In the face of the plastic pollution crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or question whether your actions matter. But change doesn't always come from grand gestures - it starts with small, consistent steps.

A shift in mindset, a single decision, a simple habit - these are the sparks that drive collective impact. Never underestimate the power of your choices.

Even the smallest action can ripple into something much bigger.

#exxpedition #ambassador #impact #inspiringwomen #wavesofchange #microplastics #plasticpollution #solutionsfocused

Eyewitness experience is one of the most powerful

Eyewitness experience is one of the most powerful tools for change.

Those who live or work near the ocean often feel the impact of plastic pollution most acutely - it’s personal, immediate, and impossible to ignore.

At eXXpedition, we bring people to the heart of the issue - our coastlines, remote communities, and even the middle of the ocean - places many would never otherwise see.

Once you’ve witnessed the scale and reality of plastic pollution firsthand, you can’t unsee it. That experience gives our crew the confidence, urgency, and credibility to return home as passionate storytellers and changemakers.

📸: @nomadmnemonics

#impact #personalexperience #communities #storytellers #eXXpedition #womeninscience #womeninstem #plasticpollution #changemakers #oceanplastics #microplastics #womenwhosail #marinescience #marineresearch #solutionfocused #citizenscience #microplastic

Tackling ocean plastic pollution requires bold, mu

Tackling ocean plastic pollution requires bold, multidisciplinary, and multinational action - driven by an empowered global community.

That’s why we bring together diverse crews on our transformative voyages, offering firsthand experience at sea or immersive learning on land and online. These experiences deepen scientific understanding and equip each person to apply their unique skills - their “superpower” - to be part of the solution.

The result? Targeted, meaningful action on land - locally and globally - to stop plastic pollution at its source, before it ever reaches the ocean.

📸: @larkrisepictures

#community #communityaction #diversity #solutions #womeninscience #womeninstem #plasticpollution #changemakers #oceanplastics #microplastics #exxpedition #solutionfocused #citizenscience

A step forward in tackling microplastic pollution!

A step forward in tackling microplastic pollution!

We’re excited to see @cleanerseasgroup has opened the world’s first dedicated microplastic recycling facility in Bude - specifically designed to recycle microplastics collected from beaches and waterways.

While we need to keep implementing solutions that reduce the production of plastic in the first place, we still need solutions to deal with the pollution that’s already out there.

Every time we set sail on an eXXpedition voyage, we collect microplastic samples from some of the most remote parts of the planet. These tiny fragments - often invisible to the naked eye - can persist in marine ecosystems for decades. Until now, there’s been no effective way to recycle them. This facility offers one possible way forward.

The new centre can process up to 86 tonnes of microfibres every year, collected from washing machine filters that stop plastic fibres from ever reaching our rivers and seas. These fibres are then recycled into new materials — such as packaging, construction components, and even parts for batteries — through a closed-loop, low-impact process.

It’s not the whole solution, but it’s an example of how targeted innovation can play a part in the wider fight against plastic pollution and build real circular solutions for our ocean.

Congratulations to the Cleaner Seas Group for turning an idea into action!

📸: @sophiedingwall

#microplastics #plasticpollution #eXXpedition #oceanconservation #cleanseas #cornwall #innovationfortheplanet #wavesofchange #soltuions #circulareconomy

There’s no silver bullet for solving plastic pol

There’s no silver bullet for solving plastic pollution.

This crisis stems from countless sources - so our solutions must be just as diverse. That’s why at eXXpedition, we bring together crew from all walks of life, across careers, cultures, and continents.

You don’t have to dedicate your entire life to the cause or be an environmentalist by profession. Real impact happens when people use their unique skills to create change:
🛠️ An engineer designing better waste systems.
🔬 A chemist developing sustainable materials.
📚 A teacher inspiring the next generation.
🏢 A policymaker shaping legislation.
🎨 An artist bringing the issue to life through story.

No matter where we live, we’re all connected by one shared ocean - and we each have a role to play. Let’s find ours, and work together.

📸: @larkrisepictures

#diversity #hollisticapproach #inclusivity #eXXpedition #womeninscience #womeninstem #plasticpollution #changemakers #oceanplastics #microplastics #womenwhosail #marinescience #marineresearch #solutionfocused #citizenscience

One of the most common questions we hear is: Is it

One of the most common questions we hear is: Is it too late? Is there still hope for our oceans?

At eXXpedition, we remain deeply optimistic. Science shows that the ocean is incredibly resilient and has the capacity to recover, as long as we act with urgency to remove the pressures of pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. But this recovery won’t happen overnight, nor without bold, coordinated efforts.

We need a diverse range of solutions, from local initiatives to global policies, and cross-border collaboration to protect our shared marine environments. We must also stay flexible and ready to adapt as new challenges arise.

Change starts now, and every action counts.

If billions of microactions have caused the problem, it’s microactions that can solve it.

📸: @sophiebolesworth

#hopeforthefuture #plastic #eXXpedition #womeninscience #womeninstem #plasticpollution #changemakers #oceanplastics #microplastics #womenwhosail #marinescience #marineresearch #solutionfocused #citizenscience

We love this quote from one of our ambassadors @nk

We love this quote from one of our ambassadors @nkpergl with her positive outlook on how we can make a difference!

“Whether you’re a storyteller, scientist or a school teacher, every single one of us possesses unique abilities, our own superpowers, that can be harnessed for the greater good. The key is figuring out how to use them in the fight for reducing our impact on the planet!”

What’s your superpower?
Let us know in the comments below 👇

#exxpedition #changemakers #superpower #superpowers #positivechange #solutions #solutionsfocused #plasticpollution #microplastics

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