The University of the West Indies (UWI) today put prevailing threats to Caribbean coastlines under the microscope, with a look at the connection between mangroves, microplastics and sargassum seaweed. To do so, they utilised ‘The Professor Speaks’ lecture series – coordinated by the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) – which was be headlined by Dr. Mona Webber, professor of marine biology and director of the Centre for Marine Sciences at the UWI.  “The connection between mangroves, microplastics and sargassum is our research in these areas which indicate and highlight the fact that our coastlines and oceans are in peril. Through the increase in solid waste (plastic) pollution, we are destroying our mangroves and producing microplastics, which more easily move throughout coastal and ocean systems and spread contamination at several levels,” Webber told The Gleaner yesterday, in a prelude to what was covered in the virtual session.

To replay the lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzKucUsd0g0