Plastic pollution in Indonesia
The International Marine Litter Research Unit (IMLRU) first published a paper on microplastics in 2004. For almost two decades, the unit's research on the environmental impact of plastics in the ocean has taken the discoveries from the deepest oceans to the highest mountain peaks. 

Leading UK marine scientists welcome the move towards a global plastics pact

"It is essential that we change our ways and use plastics far more responsibly than we have in the past; that is the only way to realise the potential environmental benefits that plastic can bring without the rapidly accelerating levels of harm that we currently see."
marine plastics, plastic, marine litter, on a beach (1280x720)

Publications to inform policy

Research accolades

Research Excellence Framework 2021

The University of Plymouth achieved excellent results in the REF 2021 submissions. The ground-breaking work of the International Marine Litter Research Unit  (IMLRU) has become the epitome of impact-led, socially engaged research. The team has been pioneering in their work to identify the issue of microplastics and marine litter, reveal its true global scale, and influence policy in key areas to tackle it.  
School of tropical fish swimming near a coral reef