The Many Fates of Plastic Debris in the Ocean

The Many Fates of Plastic Debris in the Ocean Presented by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida Atlantic University – Jupiter In the six decades since plastic entered the consumer marketplace, it has become one of the most common forms of marine debris and a growing environmental challenge. Plastic’s remarkable durability and versatility have transformed everyday life—but those same qualities allow plastic waste to persist and spread throughout the marine environment. This engaging lecture explores what happens to plastic once it enters the ocean. How does marine life and the broader ocean environment respond? What happens as plastic breaks down into smaller particles and degraded polymers, and how can scientists track and measure these changes? The program will also examine how researchers communicate their findings to policymakers and the public and what we can learn from current scientific research about this complex environmental issue. Join OLLI at FAU Jupiter for a fascinating look beneath the surface at the journey of plastic in our oceans—and the science helping us understand its impact.