Dive into the Science of SpongeBob: Ocean Plastics and the Future of Bikini Bottom

Welcome to the Science of SpongeBob! All month long, join NHMLAC researchers, educators, and special guests as we dive into ocean learning with topics exploring the real species behind the show's Bikini Bottom characters, in partnership with Nickelodeon! To celebrate World Ocean Day, we're kicking things off with Dr. Britta Baechler, Senior Manager of Ocean Plastics Research at Ocean Conservancy, as she helps us break down ocean plastics and microplastics, the impact these have on marine life, and what kids and grown ups can do to protect our oceans. 

Dr. Britta Baechler, Senior Manager of Ocean Plastics Research at Ocean Conservancy

Dr. Britta Baechler was born and raised in Homer, Alaska. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology at Lewis & Clark College and PhD in Environmental Science at Portland State University, both located in Portland, Oregon. She has worked in numerous fisheries and marine conservation roles, including as a shellfish fishery manager in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands region of Alaska, and as the Marine Protected Area Coordinator in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. Her broad interests at the intersections of plastic pollution, fisheries, and fishing communities have been longstanding; as such, Britta's recent doctoral work focused on determining the ecological and social dimensions of microplastics in Pacific Northwest shellfish. In her current role with Ocean Conservancy as Senior Manager of Ocean Plastics Research, Britta is working to develop a policy-relevant ocean plastics research agenda and contribute new insights to the growing body of scientific literature on ocean plastics.