Invisible Ocean: Plankton & Plastic - Full Movie [HD]

Summary

The speaker shares their experience as an artist-in-residence on a mission studying the health of the oceans through plankton. They describe the beauty of Tintinnids, tiny ocean organisms resembling champagne glasses, but also reveal the disturbing presence of microplastics in all samples, even from remote areas. These microplastics, often invisible, pose a threat to marine life and human health. The artist aims to raise awareness of this issue through their work, using bioluminescent and radioactive glass sculptures to evoke an emotional reaction, urging people to care about the ocean and reduce plastic pollution.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The speaker is an artist-in-residence on a mission studying the health of the oceans.
• 🔬 The mission focuses on plankton, which are critical to understanding the ocean's health.
• 🌍 Plankton samples collected from around the world contain tiny shreds of plastic.
• 🚿 Microplastics, less than one millimeter in size, come from various sources including textiles and breakdown of larger plastic items.
• 🐟 Small plastic particles can be ingested by a wide range of organisms, including plankton and fish.
• 🎨 The artist aims to reflect current environmental issues through their artwork, particularly the perils facing the ocean.
• 💡 The use of uranium glass in the artwork symbolizes the radioactive nature of the ocean's plight.
• 🌟 The artwork is designed to elicit an emotional response to inspire action against plastic pollution.
• 👥 Consumers have the power to influence companies to consider the environmental impact of their products.
• ⏳ By 2050, it's estimated that an additional 33 billion tons of plastic could be added to the environment if current trends continue.

Q & A

What was the mission the artist was part of and its purpose?

The artist was part of a two-and-a-half-year mission called Terra Oceans, which focused on studying the health of the oceans. The mission involved studying plankton and assessing the state of marine ecosystems by literally taking the 'temperature' of the ocean through this research.

Why did the artist fall in love with the tintinnids?

The artist fell in love with tintinnids when observing them through a microscope because of their resemblance to a champagne glass. Their form and role in the marine food web, consuming phytoplankton, captivated the artist.

What did the artist discover while collecting plankton samples?

While collecting plankton samples, the artist discovered tiny shreds of plastic in all of them, even in remote locations that appeared pristine. This discovery highlighted the pervasive presence of plastic pollution in the ocean.

What are microplastics, and why are they concerning?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than one millimeter in size. They come from the breakdown of larger plastic items or directly from textiles, such as fibers from clothing. These particles are concerning because they can be ingested by marine organisms, potentially entering the food chain and causing harm to both marine life and humans.

How does plastic pollution affect the plankton and the broader ecosystem?

Plastic pollution affects plankton by contaminating the water they live in. Plankton can ingest microplastics, which may then be consumed by other organisms in the food chain, eventually affecting fish and even humans. The health of the oceans and land ecosystems are deeply interconnected, and plastic pollution poses a major risk to these systems.

How does the artist use glass in their work, and what makes it significant?

The artist uses glass in their work, which they find enchanting due to its organic, visceral qualities, similar to sculpting in lava. They also use uranium glass, which glows under black light, resembling bioluminescent phytoplankton. This radioactive material fits the theme of the ocean in peril, adding a deeper layer of meaning to the artwork.

What is the symbolic meaning behind the sculpture of tintinnids ensnared in plastic?

The sculpture of tintinnids ensnared in plastic represents the dire situation of marine life entangled in pollution. The artist compares the scene to the tragic opera La Bohème, where Rodolfo falls in love with Mimi, who is dying. The artist wants viewers to fall in love with plankton and understand the emotional and environmental harm caused by plastic.

What kind of reaction does the artist hope to provoke in viewers with their artwork?

The artist hopes to provoke an emotional reaction that leads to action. They want people to fall in love with plankton and become aware of the dangers of plastic pollution. By fostering a deeper emotional connection to marine life, the artist aims to inspire people to make conscious decisions about plastic consumption and its environmental impact.

What role do consumers play in addressing plastic pollution, according to the artist?

According to the artist, consumers play a crucial role in addressing plastic pollution because they are the ones purchasing products. Consumers have the power to demand more sustainable materials and drive change in industries that produce plastic. Companies often do not consider the environmental impact of the materials they use, so consumer awareness and action are essential.

What is the estimated impact of plastic on the environment by 2050?

It is estimated that by 2050, an additional 33 billion tons of plastic could be added to the world. This growing plastic waste poses a massive environmental problem, and much of it is not well-understood, including where it is accumulating and the full scope of its effects on ecosystems.