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...
I’ve seen firsthand how science, diplomacy, and community voices can drive real change. But the #GlobalPlasticsTreaty must be legally binding in order reduce plastic production, phase out harmful chemicals, and prioritize equity. Let’s not miss this moment. #INC5
Plastics pollution is surging — the planned UN treaty to curb it must be ambitious
New research on nanoplastics pollution and ‘chemicals of concern’ underscores the need for a strong agreement when negotiations restart in Switzerland next month.
www.nature.com
July 14, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I’ve seen firsthand how science, diplomacy, and community voices can drive real change. But the #GlobalPlasticsTreaty must be legally binding in order reduce plastic production, phase out harmful chemicals, and prioritize equity. Let’s not miss this moment. #INC5
That's not all. Recently published studies on #PlasticChemicals show that of the 16,000 individual chemicals found in plastics, there are more than 4,200 ‘chemicals of concern’ that do not naturally break down in the environment, for example, or that are #toxic.
July 14, 2025 at 4:45 PM
That's not all. Recently published studies on #PlasticChemicals show that of the 16,000 individual chemicals found in plastics, there are more than 4,200 ‘chemicals of concern’ that do not naturally break down in the environment, for example, or that are #toxic.
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
This is a crucial moment for taking a stand against ever-increasing levels of global plastic pollution and its harms to people, wildlife, and our environment. Let’s make it count. council.science/news/nature-...
ISC Expert Group publishes Nature Sustainability comment on scientific priorities for plastics treaty - International Science Council
The Expert group on plastic pollution convened by the International Science Council outlines science-based recommendations to inform the final stages of plastics treaty negotiations and a robust and e...
council.science
May 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
This is a crucial moment for taking a stand against ever-increasing levels of global plastic pollution and its harms to people, wildlife, and our environment. Let’s make it count. council.science/news/nature-...
We call on Member States to include binding provisions that address currently unsustainable levels of plastic production and related harmful impacts. #SciencePolicy #Sustainability #PlasticPollution #EnvironmentalHealth #INC5 #GlobalGovernance #Plastics #PolicyForChange
May 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
We call on Member States to include binding provisions that address currently unsustainable levels of plastic production and related harmful impacts. #SciencePolicy #Sustainability #PlasticPollution #EnvironmentalHealth #INC5 #GlobalGovernance #Plastics #PolicyForChange
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!
The new report elevates the need to further investigate the impact of #plastic on these critical ecosystems. Thanks to @washingtonpost.com for covering this important work!
#Microplastics #Carbon #CarbonSink #CarbonSequestration #ClimateChange
#Microplastics #Carbon #CarbonSink #CarbonSequestration #ClimateChange
Plastic may be warming the planet more than we thought
Most models haven’t accounted for how microplastics may increase global warming by disrupting natural cycles that store carbon.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 14, 2025 at 9:20 PM
The new report elevates the need to further investigate the impact of #plastic on these critical ecosystems. Thanks to @washingtonpost.com for covering this important work!
#Microplastics #Carbon #CarbonSink #CarbonSequestration #ClimateChange
#Microplastics #Carbon #CarbonSink #CarbonSequestration #ClimateChange
What does the #science say about how plastic affects climate? In three ways: (1) emission of greenhouse gases, (2) impacts on organisms that store carbon, and (3) radiative effects, altering how the planet reflects sunlight, absorbs heat, and traps warmth. www.plasticsandclimate.com/publications
Publications | Plastics & Climate
www.plasticsandclimate.com
May 14, 2025 at 9:20 PM
What does the #science say about how plastic affects climate? In three ways: (1) emission of greenhouse gases, (2) impacts on organisms that store carbon, and (3) radiative effects, altering how the planet reflects sunlight, absorbs heat, and traps warmth. www.plasticsandclimate.com/publications
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
We’ll focus our discussion on three key sectors: packaging, building materials, and textiles. I’m looking forward to focusing on solutions that are scaled to the scope of the problem of plastic pollution. #Plastics #Plastic #LifeCycleManagement #LCM #Sustainability #OceanPlastic
May 12, 2025 at 10:15 PM
We’ll focus our discussion on three key sectors: packaging, building materials, and textiles. I’m looking forward to focusing on solutions that are scaled to the scope of the problem of plastic pollution. #Plastics #Plastic #LifeCycleManagement #LCM #Sustainability #OceanPlastic
To create a healthier ocean and human society, we need to examine, address, and take action at each stage of the plastic life cycle. You can still register to participate virtually: buff.ly/JSJVVg2
Circularity and Plastics--A Workshop
Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
buff.ly
May 12, 2025 at 10:15 PM
To create a healthier ocean and human society, we need to examine, address, and take action at each stage of the plastic life cycle. You can still register to participate virtually: buff.ly/JSJVVg2
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.