Reimagining the future of plastics
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere
Published: 18 March 2021
Plastic waste is rising, with only 9% recycled and 14M tonnes of microplastics on the seafloor. CSIRO research and industry action aim to cut pollution through AI monitoring, recycling innovation, bans on single-use plastics, and a circular economy.
Keywords: plastic pollution, recycling, microplastics, AI monitoring, circular economy, single-use plastics ban, CSIRO research
Antarctic voyage delivers breakthrough krill research
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere
Published: 24 March 2021
Australian Antarctic Program scientists recorded record krill super-swarms and over 1,400 whales using new 3D cameras and seabed sensors. The research will guide CCAMLR in setting sustainable catch limits and protecting krill ecosystems.
Keywords: Antarctic krill, super-swarm, whales, seals, penguins, 3D camera, RV Investigator, sustainable fishing, CCAMLR, Australian Antarctic Program
Pumice the key to solving seabird mass death mystery
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere
Published: 25 March 2021
CSIRO and QUT researchers solved a seabird mass death mystery, finding 3 million shearwaters starved before ingesting pumice from a 2012 eruption. The study shows how starvation, not pumice, drove mortality, with implications for climate and marine threats.
Keywords: seabird wreck, short-tailed shearwaters, pumice raft, starvation, plastic ingestion, marine pollution, CSIRO, QUT
