Increasing Marine Debris Awareness through Public Education and Analyzing Fish for Microplastic and Pollutant Contamination

Author

Stephanie R. Dubois, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Abdullah Rahman

Second Advisor

Dr. Md. Saydur Rahman

Third Advisor

Dr. Richard Kline

Abstract

Marine debris is any persistent solid material that is manmade and then disposed of into the world’s oceans. Outreach and education was used in combination with biological research using an indicator fish species to raise awareness about the impacts of marine debris and encourage change in behavior to reduce marine debris. Pre and post surveys were administered during marine debris education tours for K-12 students at the Coastal Studies Lab on South Padre Island, Texas to determine change in knowledge and behavior regarding marine debris. Pinfish were collected from Laguna Madre and stomachs and livers removed for microplastics content and CYP1A expression of contaminant stress. Students learned that their actions can impact the marine environment as they reduce marine debris. Discovering pollutant contamination in local fish has further informed the public to make responsible decisions to care for their local bay.

Comments

Copyright 2017 Stephanie R. DuBois. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/increasing-marine-debris-awareness-through-public/docview/1938695975/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Dubois, Stephanie R., "Increasing Marine Debris Awareness through Public Education and Analyzing Fish for Microplastic and Pollutant Contamination" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 142.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/142