On World Ocean’s Day, Virginia Institute of Marine Science graduate student Ashley King will present an online lecture, “Plastics in the Ocean.” The lecture will be given on Tuesday, June 8, from 3-4 p.m. and will be hosted by the Williamsburg Regional Library via Zoom.

The accumulation of plastic waste in the oceans and other bodies of water is a serious concern that frequently makes the news. Unfortunately, it is not a simple problem to study, understand or fix.

Much of this debris exists in tiny pieces called microplastics, which are able to interact with even the smallest ocean animals and are very difficult for scientists to trace. The chemical makeup of plastics varies widely and adds another layer of difficulty in understanding how plastics affect the marine environment.

During the lecture, King will tell the complex story of plastics in the ocean—where they come from, where they go and how they impact ocean organisms. She will also discuss what the future may hold and people’s role in the story.

Join the Zoom meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88691101610?pwd=czJuWmZGR0JZZW00RXBOczhLVkJjZz09. The meeting ID is 886 9110 1610 and the passcode is 363506.

Registration is not required to attend this lecture.