Innovation and evaluation of interventions to reduce marine plastic pollution

海洋塑料污染对英国社会、经济和环境的影响尚不清楚，但可能是巨大的。目前正在对塑料的来源、分布和影响进行广泛的研究，但将这项研究转化为有意义的治理建议仍然是零星的。为了解决这个问题，该奖学金将利用当前研究的财富，并与PML，UEA，CEFAS和Defra的自然和社会科学家合作，将创新和评估一系列减少海洋塑料污染的干预策略。研究方法这个博士学位将主要基于PML，但根据需要在UEA，CEFAS和Defra进行研究。该研究将以英国为重点，但有可能将研究结果转移到国际层面。候选人将审查英国和国际上现有的海洋塑料政策干预措施。然后，英国沃茨中塑料的来源、类型和数量将使用包括数据收集和建模在内的混合方法进行量化，并对受塑料影响最严重的地区进行基于风险的评估。一旦确定了有影响力的塑料的主要来源，将利用建模，访谈和调查技术对不同干预措施的有效性进行系统评估。该研究将直接为Defra的25年计划提供信息，并为未来的政策和管理计划做出贡献。

Background The impact of marine plastic pollution on UK society, economy and environment is poorly understood but likely to be substantial. Extensive research is underway into the sources, distribution and impacts of plastic, but the transference of this research into meaningful governance recommendations remains sporadic. To address this issue this studentship will draw on the wealth of current research, and collaborating with natural and social scientists at PML, UEA, CEFAS, and Defra, will innovate and evaluate a range of intervention strategies to reduce marine plastic pollution. Research methodology This PhD will be primarily based at PML, but with research stays as required at UEA, CEFAS and Defra. The research will be UK focussed but with the potential to transfer findings to an international level. The candidate will review existing marine plastic policy interventions in the UK and internationally. The sources, types, and amounts of plastic in UK waters will then be quantified using a mixed method approach including data collection and modelling, with a risk based assessment of the areas most impacted by plastics. Once the primary sources of impactful plastics have been identified, a systematic assessment of the effectiveness of different interventions will be undertaken, utilising modelling, interview and survey techniques. The research will directly inform Defra's 25 year plan, and contribute to future policies and management plans.