Margaret Spring
@margaretspring.bsky.social
Chief Conservation and Science Officer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (@Montereyaq.bsky.social.) Acting for conservation of the global ocean. On the ground in Busan working to get a strong #PlasticsTreaty #INC5.
We’ve seen what happens when we gamble with our coasts. We can’t afford to repeat it. #California #WestCoast #OffshoreDrilling #Energy #Ocean
Today, the California coast we cherish and the delicate ocean ecosystems just beyond it face a renewed threat from offshore drilling. We oppose the Trump Administration’s 5-year oil and gas leasing program and will continue to defend our coastline, wildlife, economy, and health from this threat.
November 21, 2025 at 5:05 PM
We’ve seen what happens when we gamble with our coasts. We can’t afford to repeat it. #California #WestCoast #OffshoreDrilling #Energy #Ocean
More #offshore drilling doesn’t serve the public. It serves the #oil and #gas industry at the expense of #ocean health, human #health, #climate resilience, and the coastal communities who depend on a clean, thriving ocean.
Read and share our official statement on offshore drilling: mbayaq.co/48dJaWJ
November 21, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Reopening the Pacific #OCS to drilling ignores everything we learned from #Deepwater Horizon, #Refugio, and #Cosco-Busan. It steers us backward toward the same risks that devastated communities, #wildlife, and coastal economies.
Read and share our official statement on offshore drilling: mbayaq.co/48dJaWJ
November 21, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Reopening the Pacific #OCS to drilling ignores everything we learned from #Deepwater Horizon, #Refugio, and #Cosco-Busan. It steers us backward toward the same risks that devastated communities, #wildlife, and coastal economies.
My years at #NOAA responding to the #Deepwater Horizon disaster—the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history—left an unforgettable mark on me. That’s why the newly proposed National Outer Continental Shelf #Oil and #Gas Leasing Program is so alarming.
Today, the California coast we cherish and the delicate ocean ecosystems just beyond it face a renewed threat from offshore drilling. We oppose the Trump Administration’s 5-year oil and gas leasing program and will continue to defend our coastline, wildlife, economy, and health from this threat.
November 21, 2025 at 5:03 PM
My years at #NOAA responding to the #Deepwater Horizon disaster—the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history—left an unforgettable mark on me. That’s why the newly proposed National Outer Continental Shelf #Oil and #Gas Leasing Program is so alarming.
From supply chain instability to consumer demand for sustainability, the private sector has every reason to support an ambitious #GlobalPlasticsTreaty that reduces plastic production, drives innovation, - and protects human and environmental health. #INC5
www.forbes.com/sites/kriste...
www.forbes.com/sites/kriste...
Why U.S. Business Has A Vested Interest In A Plastic Pollution Treaty
Instead of defunding international groups like UNEP that tackle environmental issues, the U.S. could negotiate on behalf of American businesses.
www.forbes.com
July 16, 2025 at 3:58 PM
From supply chain instability to consumer demand for sustainability, the private sector has every reason to support an ambitious #GlobalPlasticsTreaty that reduces plastic production, drives innovation, - and protects human and environmental health. #INC5
www.forbes.com/sites/kriste...
www.forbes.com/sites/kriste...
Our oceans now contain 27 million tonnes of #nanoplastics, particles invisible to the naked eye but impossible to ignore. These tiny fragments infiltrate every level of the marine food web with devastating consequences for ecosystems, seafood, and human health. #PlasticPollution
July 14, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Our oceans now contain 27 million tonnes of #nanoplastics, particles invisible to the naked eye but impossible to ignore. These tiny fragments infiltrate every level of the marine food web with devastating consequences for ecosystems, seafood, and human health. #PlasticPollution
I’m honored to join a panel hosted by @ChathamHouse #thinktank and the ISC @sciencecouncil.bsky.social to inform what may be the final round of negotiations for a #globaltreaty to end #plasticpollution.
🗓️ 14 July 2025 | 5:00–6:30PM BST
📍 Chatham House + Online
www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/r...
🗓️ 14 July 2025 | 5:00–6:30PM BST
📍 Chatham House + Online
www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/r...
July 10, 2025 at 4:44 PM
I’m honored to join a panel hosted by @ChathamHouse #thinktank and the ISC @sciencecouncil.bsky.social to inform what may be the final round of negotiations for a #globaltreaty to end #plasticpollution.
🗓️ 14 July 2025 | 5:00–6:30PM BST
📍 Chatham House + Online
www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/r...
🗓️ 14 July 2025 | 5:00–6:30PM BST
📍 Chatham House + Online
www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/r...
778 pieces of plastic in a seabird chick, in one of the most pristine corners of our planet. This is a signal of a global crisis, #plastic has deeply infiltrated ecosystems and food chains. A #GlobalPlasticsTreaty must prioritize science and the health of our planet. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05...
On a pristine Australian island the birds are so full of plastic they crunch
It's an exclusive tourist destination and one of the most pristine places on the planet. It's the last place you would expect to find birds with bellies so full of plastic that they crunch if you sque...
www.abc.net.au
July 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM
778 pieces of plastic in a seabird chick, in one of the most pristine corners of our planet. This is a signal of a global crisis, #plastic has deeply infiltrated ecosystems and food chains. A #GlobalPlasticsTreaty must prioritize science and the health of our planet. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05...
What are the research gaps needed to fully understand microplastic impacts to our health? What mitigation strategies can states, including #California, use to reduce exposure sources?
Final webinar about #microplastics and human #health recording here: tinyurl.com/ebaje4w3
Final webinar about #microplastics and human #health recording here: tinyurl.com/ebaje4w3
June 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM
What are the research gaps needed to fully understand microplastic impacts to our health? What mitigation strategies can states, including #California, use to reduce exposure sources?
Final webinar about #microplastics and human #health recording here: tinyurl.com/ebaje4w3
Final webinar about #microplastics and human #health recording here: tinyurl.com/ebaje4w3
Negotiations on a global #plasticstreaty (INC 5.2) resume in Geneva in early August. Our ISC Expert Group on Plastic Pollution outline 4 key elements for an effective treaty and related provisions in the Chair’s negotiating text for further scientific input - www.nature.com/articles/s41...
May 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Negotiations on a global #plasticstreaty (INC 5.2) resume in Geneva in early August. Our ISC Expert Group on Plastic Pollution outline 4 key elements for an effective treaty and related provisions in the Chair’s negotiating text for further scientific input - www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Cristian’s #snowyplover #tattoo is more than beautiful art, it’s a symbol of protection, family, hope, and the power of conservation. The #EndangeredSpeciesAct isn’t just about saving wildlife—it’s about protecting the balance that sustains us all. 💙 Let’s keep lifting up voices like Cristian’s!
Tides and Tattoos 🌊🖊️
Meet Cristian from our Conservation and Science team! Growing up, his mom used to tell him he had a bird watching over him. His fascination with feathered friends started at a young age, and he’s commemorated that with a snowy plover tattoo. www.youtube.com/shorts/PxuvN...
Meet Cristian from our Conservation and Science team! Growing up, his mom used to tell him he had a bird watching over him. His fascination with feathered friends started at a young age, and he’s commemorated that with a snowy plover tattoo. www.youtube.com/shorts/PxuvN...
Tides and tattoos: A conservation story 🌊🖊️| #shorts
YouTube video by Monterey Bay Aquarium
www.youtube.com
May 22, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Cristian’s #snowyplover #tattoo is more than beautiful art, it’s a symbol of protection, family, hope, and the power of conservation. The #EndangeredSpeciesAct isn’t just about saving wildlife—it’s about protecting the balance that sustains us all. 💙 Let’s keep lifting up voices like Cristian’s!
We know #plastics are not just a “waste” problem, plastics are also a #climate problem. We are glad to be part of the first report to comprehensively assess the existing peer-reviewed data on climate impacts of plastics and outlines research and policy recommendations we can start on right now.
May 14, 2025 at 9:20 PM
I’m excited to join an incredible group of experts at the @nationalacademies.org Plastic Roundtable Workshop: Circularity and Plastics in Washington, DC this week.
Our workshop will explore and identify actionable pathways to achieve a future state of plastics within a circular economy.
Our workshop will explore and identify actionable pathways to achieve a future state of plastics within a circular economy.
#Recycling and other #sustainability strategies can mitigate #PlasticWaste and its impacts on human and #EnvironmentalHealth.
Explore #circularity for #plastics in packaging, building materials, and textiles at our May 13 – 14 workshop: buff.ly/JSJVVg2
Explore #circularity for #plastics in packaging, building materials, and textiles at our May 13 – 14 workshop: buff.ly/JSJVVg2
May 12, 2025 at 10:15 PM
I’m excited to join an incredible group of experts at the @nationalacademies.org Plastic Roundtable Workshop: Circularity and Plastics in Washington, DC this week.
Our workshop will explore and identify actionable pathways to achieve a future state of plastics within a circular economy.
Our workshop will explore and identify actionable pathways to achieve a future state of plastics within a circular economy.
Reposted by Margaret Spring
The @nationalacademies.org panel on microplastics in the environment & human exposure pathways from March 20 is online! It features me, Bart Koelmans, @traceywoodruff.bsky.social, Jane Muncke of @fpffoundation.bsky.social & @margaretspring.bsky.social.
Full vid: www.youtube.com/watch?v=96rI...
Full vid: www.youtube.com/watch?v=96rI...
Distribution of Microplastics in the Environment and Human Exposure Pathways
YouTube video by National Academies - Earth and Life Studies
www.youtube.com
April 2, 2025 at 12:25 PM
The @nationalacademies.org panel on microplastics in the environment & human exposure pathways from March 20 is online! It features me, Bart Koelmans, @traceywoodruff.bsky.social, Jane Muncke of @fpffoundation.bsky.social & @margaretspring.bsky.social.
Full vid: www.youtube.com/watch?v=96rI...
Full vid: www.youtube.com/watch?v=96rI...
How can knowledge of microplastics hotspots inform decision-making that protect human health?
Join @nationalacademies.org for a webinar on 3/20 on the distribution and sources of human exposure. RSVP: www.nationalacademies.org/event/44668_...
#Microplastics #PublicHealth
Join @nationalacademies.org for a webinar on 3/20 on the distribution and sources of human exposure. RSVP: www.nationalacademies.org/event/44668_...
#Microplastics #PublicHealth
www.nationalacademies.org
March 17, 2025 at 8:35 PM
How can knowledge of microplastics hotspots inform decision-making that protect human health?
Join @nationalacademies.org for a webinar on 3/20 on the distribution and sources of human exposure. RSVP: www.nationalacademies.org/event/44668_...
#Microplastics #PublicHealth
Join @nationalacademies.org for a webinar on 3/20 on the distribution and sources of human exposure. RSVP: www.nationalacademies.org/event/44668_...
#Microplastics #PublicHealth
Reposted by Margaret Spring
🧪 @royalsociety.org speaks out.
"Scientific evidence & those who advocate for it are under attack by those who wish to undermine rational debate... The Royal Society will use its voice and the expertise of our Fellows to resist the various challenges to science."
royalsociety.org/news/2025/02...
"Scientific evidence & those who advocate for it are under attack by those who wish to undermine rational debate... The Royal Society will use its voice and the expertise of our Fellows to resist the various challenges to science."
royalsociety.org/news/2025/02...
Science under threat | Royal Society
The Royal Society will use its voice and the expertise of our Fellows to resist the various challenges to science.
royalsociety.org
March 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM
🧪 @royalsociety.org speaks out.
"Scientific evidence & those who advocate for it are under attack by those who wish to undermine rational debate... The Royal Society will use its voice and the expertise of our Fellows to resist the various challenges to science."
royalsociety.org/news/2025/02...
"Scientific evidence & those who advocate for it are under attack by those who wish to undermine rational debate... The Royal Society will use its voice and the expertise of our Fellows to resist the various challenges to science."
royalsociety.org/news/2025/02...
We Have the opportunity to demonstrate to the world that a California with less single-use plastic is within reach!
Plastic pollution impacts not only the health of our ocean but also our communities, ecosystems, and planet. @governor.ca.gov, we urge you not to delay the SB 54 regulations.
Plastic pollution impacts not only the health of our ocean but also our communities, ecosystems, and planet. @governor.ca.gov, we urge you not to delay the SB 54 regulations.
California stands at a critical juncture, with our state’s continued leadership essential to reducing #PlasticPollution in our ocean and communities. It's time for action.
www.latimes.com/environment/... #SB54
www.latimes.com/environment/... #SB54
California banned polystyrene. Has the plastic industry spooked the governor into silence?
SB54 put an end to polystyrene — which had low recycling rates and high levels of pollution — in California. But the plastic industry may have spooked the governor into silence.
www.latimes.com
February 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM
We Have the opportunity to demonstrate to the world that a California with less single-use plastic is within reach!
Plastic pollution impacts not only the health of our ocean but also our communities, ecosystems, and planet. @governor.ca.gov, we urge you not to delay the SB 54 regulations.
Plastic pollution impacts not only the health of our ocean but also our communities, ecosystems, and planet. @governor.ca.gov, we urge you not to delay the SB 54 regulations.
Hello 🔬🔭🥼🧪🌊 #science on BlueSky! Be aware that @ucsusa.bsky.social has many assets and sign on letters aimed at supporting and defending science and scientists at this challenging moment. Check it out! www.ucsusa.org
Union of Concerned Scientists
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with people across the country, we combine technical analysis and eff...
www.ucsusa.org
February 9, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Hello 🔬🔭🥼🧪🌊 #science on BlueSky! Be aware that @ucsusa.bsky.social has many assets and sign on letters aimed at supporting and defending science and scientists at this challenging moment. Check it out! www.ucsusa.org
Glad to see our #PlasticTreaty blog emphasizing the need to address #humanhealth among these most read blogs! @sciencecouncil.bsky.social @montereyaq.bsky.social
Catch-up on our must-read blogs released this year on some of the most pressing issues that shaped the science world in 2024.
council.science/blog/readers...
council.science/blog/readers...
Readers’ choice: our most shared science blogs this year - International Science Council
Catch-up on our must-read blogs released this year on some of the most pressing issues that shaped the science world in 2024.
council.science
January 27, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Glad to see our #PlasticTreaty blog emphasizing the need to address #humanhealth among these most read blogs! @sciencecouncil.bsky.social @montereyaq.bsky.social
Reposted by Margaret Spring
H.E. Prof. Rahma Al-Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research & Innovation of the Sultanate of #Oman, attended the pre-event workshop on Freedom & Responsibility in Science, welcoming participants ahead of the #MuscatISC Global Knowledge Dialogue (27–28 Jan).
January 26, 2025 at 11:50 AM
H.E. Prof. Rahma Al-Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research & Innovation of the Sultanate of #Oman, attended the pre-event workshop on Freedom & Responsibility in Science, welcoming participants ahead of the #MuscatISC Global Knowledge Dialogue (27–28 Jan).
Here in Oman at #MuscatISC to learn more about global #science innovations and share knowledge across @sciencecouncil.bsky.social organizations about how we unite to support science in decisionmaking. 🌊🌎🔬
From 26-30 January, Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research & Innovation will host the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and the 3rd ISC General Assembly in Muscat. #MuscatISC
💻 Several sessions will be livestreamed for public viewing.
➡️ See the full programme: council.science/events/musca...
💻 Several sessions will be livestreamed for public viewing.
➡️ See the full programme: council.science/events/musca...
January 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Here in Oman at #MuscatISC to learn more about global #science innovations and share knowledge across @sciencecouncil.bsky.social organizations about how we unite to support science in decisionmaking. 🌊🌎🔬
Today’s action by the Biden-Harris Administration to protect valuable ocean areas off the Pacific, Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico coasts from oil and gas drilling is a huge step to secure a future of a healthy and thriving ocean environment.
www.montereybayaquarium.org/newsroom/pre...
www.montereybayaquarium.org/newsroom/pre...
www.montereybayaquarium.org
January 6, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Today’s action by the Biden-Harris Administration to protect valuable ocean areas off the Pacific, Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico coasts from oil and gas drilling is a huge step to secure a future of a healthy and thriving ocean environment.
www.montereybayaquarium.org/newsroom/pre...
www.montereybayaquarium.org/newsroom/pre...
Reposted by Margaret Spring
This is really great news. Once again California is leading the way in tackling a huge environmental problem. This is the kind of leadership we need so that people and the planet can thrive together. #collaborationn #leadership #EnvironmentalAction #PlasticPollution
Great news to start the year! California has banned polystyrene takeout food containers. The Aquarium and a statewide coalition worked to enact #SB54, holding producers responsible for #PlasticPollution from products they create. This is a sign of success! mbayaq.co/3BVs97l
The world's fifth-largest economy is about to ban most polystyrene foam
Rules taking effect in California ban cups, clamshells and other food ware made from expanded polystyrene foam unless companies meet a high recycling target.
mbayaq.co
January 4, 2025 at 12:52 AM
This is really great news. Once again California is leading the way in tackling a huge environmental problem. This is the kind of leadership we need so that people and the planet can thrive together. #collaborationn #leadership #EnvironmentalAction #PlasticPollution
Great #plastictreaty analysis by Patrick Schroeder of @chathamhouse.bsky.social foreignpolicy.com/2024/12/20/p...
Big Oil’s Next Cash Cow Is Plastics
Fossil fuel companies and countries created a deadlock in negotiations over a much-needed treaty governing their use.
foreignpolicy.com
December 20, 2024 at 4:10 PM
Great #plastictreaty analysis by Patrick Schroeder of @chathamhouse.bsky.social foreignpolicy.com/2024/12/20/p...
California’s SB 54 is a prime example of how to reduce plastic production, protect our communities and environment, and foster collaboration.
December 19, 2024 at 9:36 PM
California’s SB 54 is a prime example of how to reduce plastic production, protect our communities and environment, and foster collaboration.