Alix de Jersey is a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania, investigating the effects of microplastics on tropical shearwaters. In this chat, we discuss the world-first study of seabirds that Alix was involved with - which identified that seabird chicks heavily affected by plastic ingestion demonstrated a range of negative health consequences, including liver and brain damage. We discuss the study methodology and results - and the associated implications to both wildlife and humans.

Useful links:

• Alix on LinkedIn (here)
• Alix at AdriftLab (here)
• Article "World-first analysis of seabirds who’ve eaten plastic reveals slow, insidious health impacts" (here)
• Journal paper "Seabirds in crisis: Plastic ingestion induces proteomic signatures of multiorgan failure and neurodegeneration" (here)

For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au

Photo credit: Dr. Neal R. Haddaway

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