SDG 14 – Life Below Water
Research
In 2023, Dr Ria Devereaux, then PhD candidate at the Sustainability Research Institute(SRI), submitted her thesis on microplastics in the estuarine and river environment of the River Thames. Global microplastic pollution is a significant threat to ecosystems, including both marine and river environments. The United Nations addresses this concern in SDG14 which calls for the prevention and substantial reduction of marine pollution of all kinds. In response to this target, Dr Devereaux’s research examined the abundance of microplastics within the Thames tidal river and identified potential sources contributing to this pollution. Through the project, Dr Deveraux tracked the impact of specific events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the annual New Year fireworks displays, on pollution levels in the Thames. The findings from this study can inform stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, Thames Water and non-profit organisations, in making decisions about mitigating microplastic pollution in the River Thames.
Teaching
The BSc (Hons) Surveying and Mapping Sciences programme at UEL includes a core module on sea surveying. This module builds students’ appreciation for the unique natural elements and challenges of surveying at sea, developing their knowledge and understanding of the requirements for mapping and measurement in the marine environment. Students explore the applications of sea surveying such as navigation charts and engineering uses in the hydrocarbon, renewable energy, and communications industries. The BSc programme in Surveying and Mapping Sciences also focuses on designing sustainable solutions, including opportunities to take part in international competitions with Engineers Without Borders and develop specialist skills in sustainable surveying practices.
Operations
UEL’s catering services are delivered by Aramark, which follows a sustainable seafood policy, Aramark is committed to sourcing seafood from suppliers that support healthy marine life and ecosystems, and that respect seafood workers and communities throughout the supply chain. Effectively regulating fishing and ending illegal and destructive fishing practices are essential steps toward achieving the UN’s goal of conserving marine resources and environments.
Outreach
In 2023, Dr Ravindra Jayaratne, Dr Hebba Haddad and research assistant Maciej Pawlik co-developed a model for effective flood evacuation with schools in Japan and the UK. Climate change has increased the frequency of natural threats like flooding worldwide, heightening the risk for communities already prone to such events. The project addressed the growing need for effective flood evacuation responses to ensure the protection of lives in worse-case scenarios. Collaborating with schools across Japan and the UK, the research team aimed to understand perspectives on evacuation and to build a model based on the participants’ suggestions and experiences. The study findings indicate that a participatory approach to evacuation models is effective not only in creating robust disaster responses but also in engaging and educating communities impacted by natural disasters.