PROFILE: Investigating ocean pollution to “provide solutions, not just answers to questions”
“Anthropogenic stressors are reshaping our ocean – it’s not the same ocean we had 30 or 40 years ago. As academics we need to provide solutions, not just answers to questions.”
Modelling provides insight into the risks microplastics pose to marine life
“We learned that the water and sediments are polluted with microplastics. The global ocean is basically a dump. We need to change our behaviours, our preferences and our consumption.”
IOF joins the Nippon Foundation’s Ocean Nexus Center
Ocean Nexus research at IOF will focus on marine pollution and ocean acidification, and on social and economic measures related to the ‘Blue Economy’
Ahead of the G7 Summit, UBC researchers played key role in shaping marine policies
UBC researchers applied their expertise to tackle key ocean-based challenges and help shape marine policies.
Climate change fuels accumulation of pollutants in Chinook salmon, killer whales
Southern resident killer whales that exist along the Pacific Northeast Coast eat Chinook salmon, and these two predators are impacted by increased pollutant bioaccumulation driven by climate change
Cigarettes account for half of waste recovered on Vancouver and Victoria shorelines
UBC researchers analysed data from 1,226 voluntary cleanups organized by the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup (GCSC).
Apex marine predators affected by human-made pollutants and climate change
Human contaminants, exacerbated by climate change, are impacting polar bears, killer whales.
“Whale breath” reveals bacteria threatening endangered killer whales
Bacteria including salmonella and fungi such as penicillium were found in the whales.