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A lot has happened across the globe in the last year, much of which has made news headlines overwhelmingly negative. So today, let’s focus on positivity and the good news stories which we might have missed over the last few months. Headlines have often stated that single-use plastic consumption, and therefore waste, is increasing due to the pandemic, yet let’s instead concentrate on the progress the world is making to eradicate unnecessary plastic.Support the show (https://www.bigblueoceancleanup.org)

When we think of protecting the oceans, all too often we envisage tropical, tranquil waters complete with a turtle gliding through or maybe a coral reef bustling with rainbow schools of fish. Very few of us think about Antarctica, despite it covering over 14 million square kilometres of Earth whilst housing 16,000 species. While the Antarctic is often thought of as bleak, hostile and lifeless, this continent actually contains enough biodiversity to rival the Galapagos Islands.Written by Neve McCracken-Heywood.Support the show (https://www.bigblueoceancleanup.org)

Oil spills are one ocean issue we forget about on a daily basis and it is only too late, once a massive disaster occurs, that we remember this enormous threat hanging over our blue planet. The recent oil spill in Mauritius has brought the fragility of our oceans back into the mass media and subsequently our minds, sparking massive protests across the world. So what exactly happened in Mauritius, what are the environmental impacts and how can we prevent incidents like this happening again in the future?Written By Neve McCracken-HeywoodSupport the show (https://www.bigblueoceancleanup.org)

2020 was filled with an overwhelming amount of negative news which has left many of us feeling run down and worn out; yet despite it all, the past year has still given us reasons to have hope for the future. Hidden behind all the discouraging major news stories were in fact many positive tales surrounding ocean conservation and protection. From booming seal populations to new marine reserves, 2020 was a surprisingly promising year for our blue planet, so let’s fish around and discover why we should dive head first into 2021 feeling cheerful and filled with optimism. Written By Neve McCracken-HeywoodSupport the show (https://www.bigblueoceancleanup.org)

The Thames has always been at the centre of London throughout its evolution, growth and numerous transformations with the river often being compared to a major artery as it delivers life to this manmade metropolis. In fact, this 350 kilometre ribbon of water holds a surprising amount of wildlife right from its source to the sea as it winds through counties such as Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Surrey and finally, London itself. 125 species of fish live in this famous river alongside kingfishers, water voles, seals, dolphins and even the rare whale which enters the mouth of the estuary. Yet British species are no longer the only sightings city goers could spot on their commute to work. Written by Neve McCracken-HeywoodSupport the show (https://www.bigblueoceancleanup.org)