Marine Pollution: What Everyone Needs to Know

Speaker: Judith Weis, Dept. of Biology, Rutgers–Newark

Abstract: The second edition of my book for the general public has come out recently, with chapters brought up to date and a new chapter on microplastics. There are many different types of pollution that may be found in the ocean and estuaries, including excessive nutrients, metals, oil, pesticides, other toxic chemicals, marine debris, microplastics, increasing temperatures (climate change), ocean acidification, and invasive species (biological pollution).  These are all discussed with a viewpoint of Where do they come from? What harm do they do? and what can we do about them?  I will also discuss some optimism about decreased pollution and improving environmental health in areas, including the NY/NJ area.