The 2nd draft program has been posted!
The 2nd draft program is now available. Please note that it is subject to change. For any questions or comments regarding the agenda contact embla@arcticiceland.is.
See the agenda below. Click here to download as PDF.
Atlantic Plastics 2026
Third International Symposium on Marine Plastic Pollution
Arctic to the Antarctic
#AtlanticPlastics
Harpa Conference Centre, 20–22 October 2026
Draft programme — 12 August 2026 | All times are in GMT
Conference Presenter: TBD
Day 1 Tuesday, 20 October 2026 ▾
08:30–09:30
Registration, Harpa 2nd floor
09:30–11:30
PLENARY: Welcoming, Opening Addresses and a keynote speech — including an opening address by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Mrs. Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir.
📍 Silfurberg
11:30–12:30
☕ Lunch · Hörpuhorn
12:30–17:30 — Two parallel sessions on thematic discussions, Themes 1 & 2
12:30–15:00 — Parallel sessions
Theme 1
Innovative plastic pollution monitoring and assessment across multi-scales
📍 Silfurberg A
12:30–12:50
Keynote Speaker Dr. Thomais Vlachogiovanni
12:50–13:05
First systematic tracking of plastiglomerate in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Fernanda Avelar Santos, São Paulo State University (UNESP)
13:05–13:20
Development of a new OSPAR common indicator for microlitter (including microplastics) on the seafloor – from development to first pilot assessment. Adil Bakir, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)
13:20–13:35
Advanced Beach Litter Monitoring Across Scales: Harmonisation, Source Assessment, and Indicator Development in the OSPAR Region. Eva Blidberg, Keep Sweden Tidy Foundation
13:35–13:50
Multidimensional Assessment of Beach Litter Pollution in the Northeast Atlantic. Juan Ceballo, University of Cadiz
13:50–14:05
Method development for microplastic detection in fish fillet. France Collard, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
14:05–14:20
From Citizen Science to Action: What 1 Million Citizen Science Findings Reveal About Norway's Litter Challenge. Malin Stapnes Dahl, Keep Norway Beautiful
14:20–14:35
From clean-up to science: an in-depth diagnostic approach to Arctic marine litter. Barbara Jóźwiak, forScience Foundation
14:35–14:50
Cory's shearwater fledglings: A new indicator of plastic pollution in remote Atlantic waters. Christopher Kim Pham (tbc)
14:50–15:00
Integrated Monitoring of Macro- and Mesoplastics on Urban Oslofjord Beaches: Evaluating OSPAR and Mesoplastic Protocols. Amy Lusher, Norwegian Institute for Water Research
Theme 2
Modelling sources, pathways and fate of plastics in the environment
📍 Silfurberg B
12:30–12:50
Keynote speaker Dr. Delphine Lobelle (TBC)
12:50–13:05
Wet wipes in untreated wastewater are a source of litter pollution to the Arctic marine environment – A case study on the loads of litter and microplastics in wastewater effluents in Greenland. Lis Bach, Aarhus University
13:05–13:20
Four-Dimensional Modelling of Microplastics in Þingvallavatn, Iceland's Largest Lake. Mathis Blache, University of Iceland
13:20–13:35
Modelling Marine Litter in the Irish waters. Sara Cloux, Marine Institute
13:35–13:50
Including decision makers in development of cost-efficient litter monitoring – A three step process. Jannike Falk-Andersson, UiT Arctic University of Norway
13:50–14:05
Towards a standard practice for microplastics identification in snow and ice samples: a systematic review. Sydney Fox, Reykjavik University / University of Iceland
14:05–14:20
Co-exposure of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in subantarctic seabirds. Joana Fragão, University of Coimbra – CFE
14:20–14:35
Citizen science reveals Iceland's first baseline of floating microplastics to support marine protection. Belén García Ovide, University of Iceland
14:35–14:50
Sea ice and fresh water regulate what you find in Arctic surface seawater. Ingeborg Hallanger, Norwegian Polar Institute
14:50–15:00
Evidence of Microplastic Ingestion in Ringed Seals (Pusa hispida) from the Canadian Arctic. Haylee Hatton, MacEwan University
15:00–15:30
☕ Coffee break · Hörpuhorn
15:30–17:30 — Parallel sessions
Theme 1
Innovative plastic pollution monitoring and assessment across multi-scales (cont.)
📍 Silfurberg A
15:30–15:45
Using High-Resolution Drone Imagery and Machine Learning to Support Beach Litter Monitoring in Remote Arctic Areas. Carolin Leluschko, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence GmbH
15:45–16:00
Advancing Marine Microplastic Monitoring: Raman Spectral Mapping Combined with Machine Learning. Lara Mikac, Rudjer Boskovic Institute
16:00–16:15
Reconstructing a Century of Microplastic Pollution Using Sediment Cores. Rocío Quintana, University of Cádiz
16:15–16:30
From Stakeholder Needs to Monitoring Practice: Best-Practice Guidance for Drone-Based Beach Litter Monitoring in the Arctic. Marc Schnurawa, BioConsult SH GmbH & Co. KG
16:30–16:45
Advances in Seafloor Litter Research: From Detection to Environmental Assessment. Josie Russell, Centre of Environment for Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)
16:45–17:00
Plastic chemicals in tissues of Arctic animals with and without ingested plastics. Katrin Vorkamp, Aarhus University
17:00–17:15
Contribution to the Assessment of Microplastics in the Digestive Tract of Small Pelagic Fish from the North Atlantic of Morocco. Ali Benhra, National Institute of Fisheries Research
17:15–17:30
Microplastics contamination in Isinuka Springs and CO2 seeping freshwater systems in South Africa: A baseline study. Thendo Mutshekwa, Rhodes University
Theme 2
Modelling sources, pathways and fate of plastics in the environment (cont.)
📍 Silfurberg B
15:30–15:45
Ecological effects of micro/nanoplastics on plant-associated food webs. Ilyas Muhammad, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
15:45–16:00
Citizen Science for our Polar Oceans: a hybrid cruise ship–citizen science–university–NGO partnership to rapidly expand geographic microplastic/microfiber concentration, potential source knowledge in surface water and air in the Arctic and Antarctica and public engagement. Rachael Miller, Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean
16:00–16:15
Patterns in marine litter in northern Canada across regions between 2017 and 2025. Jennifer Provencher, Environment and Climate Change Canada
16:15–16:30
Towards a Harmonised Global Beach Litter Monitoring Protocol: Integrating IAEA, UNEP, and GESAMP Approaches at Strandfontein, South Africa. Keshnee Pillay, Department of Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment
16:30–16:45
Sampling volume as a source of methodological bias in microplastic concentration estimates. Miguel Jorge Sánchez-Guerrero-Hernández, University of Cádiz, UCA – INMAR, Department of Biology
16:45–17:00
Tracing Microplastic Inputs and Environmental Pathways in Rural Iceland Using Lake Sediment Archives and Glacier Snow Cores. Ásta Margrét Ásmundsdóttir, University of Akureyri, Iceland
17:00–17:15
Distribution of Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern in the Canadian Arctic. Aaron McQuaid, Toronto Metropolitan University
17:15–17:30
Invisible Invaders: Micro-nanoplastic Accumulation in Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus) in Icelandic Waters. Kaylin Rose Nickels, University of Iceland
17:30–19:30
☕ Reception · Hörpuhorn
Day 2 Wednesday, 21 October 2026 ▾
08:30–12:30 — Two parallel sessions on thematic discussions, Themes 3 & 4
08:30–10:05 — Parallel sessions
Theme 3
Assessing impacts of plastic pollution
📍 Silfurberg A
08:30–08:50
Keynote speaker TBD
08:50–09:05
Biodiversity and Plastics: What's the Risk? Expert Elicitation and Spatial Mapping in Fiji. Bella Charlesworth, University of New South Wales (Australia) and Central European University (Austria)
09:05–09:20
Navigating knowledge gaps: towards a quantitative assessment of plastic emissions from international shipping. Maartje Folbert, Open Universiteit
09:20–09:35
Gannets in a Plastic World. Sindri Gíslason, Southwest Iceland Nature Research Centre
09:35–09:50
Floating 'Plastisphere' in the Pacific-Arctic Ocean and the western North Pacific. Takahito Ikenoue, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)
09:50–10:05
Trapped in trash: Entanglement of terrestrial Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) in marine debris. Marthe Larsen Haarr, Salt Lofoten AS
Theme 4
Circular economy, innovation, and industry solutions
📍 Silfurberg B
08:30–08:50
Keynote speaker Haraldur Einarsson, Senior Scientist, Marine and Freshwater Research Institute & Fishing Gear Expert, FAO
08:50–09:05
Do We Know Enough About Plastic Flows in Aquaculture? A Comprehensive Material Flow Analysis of Plastics in Norway's Sea-Based Aquaculture Sector. Toluse Priscilla Ashaolu, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology
09:05–09:20
From Coast to Policy: Advancing Plastic Pollution Prevention Through Regulatory Innovation. Lilly Woodbury, Surfrider Foundation Canada (tbc)
09:20–09:35
Ocean Innovations to Tackle Plastic Pollution and Its Impact on Marine Biodiversity in West Africa. Peter Teye Busumprah, Ocean Rock Base
09:35–09:50
The Design Against Litter Guide: how design can prevent litter. Malin Stapnes Dahl, Hold Norge Rent
09:50–10:05
Untangling marine debris impacts on southeast Alaska's coastlines. Zofia Danielson, Sitka Sound Science Center
10:05–10:30
☕ Coffee break · Hörpuhorn
10:30–12:30 — Parallel sessions
Theme 3
Assessing impacts of plastic pollution (cont.)
📍 Silfurberg A
10:30–10:45
Tracking Wildlife–Plastic Interactions Through Citizen Science. Diana M. Matos, Aarhus University
10:45–11:00
Plastic pollution: Effects on Arctic animals. Jennifer Provencher, Environment and Climate Change Canada
11:00–11:15
Jellies – microplastics ferries? Diel shifts in microplastic burden of gelatinous zooplankton across the water column, Scotia Sea. Alena Sakovich, British Antarctic Survey / University of Durham
11:15–11:30
Assessment of plasticizer contamination in sicklefin devil rays (Mobula tarapacana) from the remote Azores Archipelago. Lena Schaffeld, Okeanos Research Institute
11:30–11:45
Abundance and diversity of microplastic polymers in coastal regions of South Africa. Anusha Rajkaran, University of the Western Cape
11:45–12:00
Tracing Plastic-Associated Chemical Exposure from Coastal Systems to Seafood: Evidence from African Marine Environments. Stacey Webb, Sustainable Seas Trust
12:00–12:15
Shipping, Contaminants, and Plastics: Understanding a growing environmental pressure across the Circumpolar North. Bonnie Hamilton, University of Ottawa
12:15–12:30
Where sea turtles meet litter: assessing exposure risk across the Atlantic. Josué Viejo Marín, University of Cadiz
Theme 4
Circular economy, innovation, and industry solutions (cont.)
📍 Silfurberg B
10:30–10:45
From Evidence to Action? Examining the Knowledge Base for Extended Producer Responsibility in Norway's Aquaculture Sector. Paritosh Chakor Deshpande, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology
10:45–11:00
Studying Temporal Trends of Microplastic Pollution in the St. Lawrence River Basin: a Case Study. Iselle Flores Ruiz, Ocean Diagnostics Inc
11:00–11:15
The Ones that Get Away: Investigating the Leaching of Persistent, Mobile, and Toxic Plastic Additives from New and Weathered Plastic Products. Eric Fries, Toronto Metropolitan University
11:15–11:30
Citizens of a Changing Coast: A Socio-ecological Analysis of Marine Plastic Pollution in Scottish Island Communities. Chloe McKenna, Hebridean Coastal Stories
11:30–11:45
Quantifying Coastal Restoration and Plastic Leakage Reduction through Community-Integrated Systems: Evidence from the RestorationX10000 Initiative (2021–2025) in LMIC Contexts. Ahmed Tiamiyu, Community Action Against Plastic Waste (CAPws)
11:45–12:00
A Novel Mechanochemistry Treatment for Sustainable Plastic Waste Management. Jessica Zhang, University of North Texas (tbc)
12:00–12:15
Recycling of plastics and use of biodegradable materials in Fisheries. Christian Karl, SINTEF Industry, Forskningsveien 1, 0373 Oslo
12:15–12:30
Connecting Communities & Cleaning Coastlines Through the Arctic Cleanup Project. Kristina Tirman, Ocean Conservancy
12:30–13:30
☕ Lunch · Hörpuhorn
13:30–17:30 — Two parallel sessions on thematic discussions, Themes 5 & 6
13:30–15:15 — Parallel sessions
Theme 5
Mitigation, management, and restoration
📍 Silfurberg A
13:30–13:50
Keynote speaker TBD
13:50–14:05
Greening the Blue: A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for Circular Fishing Gear Management in Norway. Paritosh Chakor Deshpande, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology
14:05–14:20
The Circular Economy of Fishing Gear in Nordic Fisheries. Haraldur Einarsson, MFRI
14:20–14:35
Wishcycling to Recycling – A Tourists' Study. Audrey Matthews, University of Akureyri
14:35–14:50
The role of regenerative design practice in reducing plastic pollution from net mending. Jannike Falk-Andersson, UiT Arctic University of Norway
14:50–15:05
Technological Readiness for Environmental Impact: Global policy is only as effective as the available technological alternatives. Thelma Gonzalez Cruz, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) (tbc)
15:05–15:15
Recycling fishing gear: Building circular pathways for marine plastics in Scotland. Zoe Scott-Green, KIMO International
Theme 6
Science-policy interface and capacity building
📍 Silfurberg B
13:30–13:50
Keynote speaker Dr. Thomas Maes, SEAMOHT Ltd.
13:50–14:05
Alaska Pacific University Microplastics Research and Education Center: Partnering with NASA. Dee Barker, Alaska Pacific University
14:05–14:20
Youth as Agents of Change in Ocean Governance: Building Capacity for Young People to Lead on Plastic Pollution and Marine Environmental Policy. Manal Bidar, Water Youth Network
14:20–14:35
Invisible emissions at sea: Fishing gear abrasion and Global Plastics Treaty (GPT) responses. Emily Cowan, SINTEF Ocean
14:35–14:50
Beyond Collection: Lessons from Beach Cleanup Initiatives in Brazil. Johanna Franke, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network
14:50–15:05
The Integrated Marine Debris Observing System: Coordinated global monitoring to support research and decision-making. Amy Lusher, Norwegian Institute for Water Research
15:05–15:15
A Collaborative and Scalable Framework for Arctic Marine Litter: Design and Implementation of the Alaska Marine Debris Action Plan. Peter Murphy, NOAA Marine Debris Program
15:15–15:45
☕ Coffee break · Hörpuhorn
15:45–17:30 — Parallel sessions
Theme 5
Mitigation, management, and restoration (cont.)
📍 Silfurberg A
15:45–16:00
De-Implementing Household Plastic Waste Burning: Effectiveness of a Community-Led Behavior Change Intervention in Rural Villages in Jalapa, Guatemala. Margaret Handley, University of California San Francisco
16:00–16:15
Communicating Microplastics in the digital age: Global Perspectives on People and Practices. Lesley Henderson, University of Strathclyde
16:15–16:30
Environmental Guardians: A community-based model for waste prevention and ocean stewardship in Arctic regions. Christina Koch, Our Ocean Foundation / Stiftelsen Vårt Hav
16:30–16:45
Indigenous Youth-Led Eco-Literacy and Community-Based Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. Justin Langan, O'KANATA (tbc)
16:45–17:00
Ethnoknowledge of Ghost Fishing (ALDFG) in the Delta do Parnaíba Environmental Protection Area – Brazilian Equatorial Margin. Cezar Fernandes, Federal University of Delta of Parnaiba (UFDPar)
17:00–17:15
Rights, Resilience & Arctic Frontlines: Local Voices, Global Resonance. Michelle Calcatelli, Artica Svalbard (for Phase I)
17:15–17:30
Care as Resistance. Maurizio Milesi, In the Same Boat (tbc)
Theme 6
Science-policy interface and capacity building (cont.)
📍 Silfurberg B
15:45–16:00
Fishing-related marine debris in Ghana: is it really a problem? Peter Randall, Cefas – Centre of Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
16:00–16:15
From Local Knowledge to Action: Strengthening Capacity Through Arctic Cleanup Collaboration. Ingeborg Rønning, Keep Norway Beautiful & Kristina Tirman, Ocean Conservancy
16:15–16:30
Governance and stakeholder perspectives for micro- and nanoplastic mitigation: a One Health approach from the Helgeland Water Region in Northern Norway. Salina Magdalena Spiering, Nordland Research Institute
16:30–16:45
When Does EPR Work? Cost, Logistics, and Material Constraints in Circular Plastic Systems — Evidence from Aquaculture Netting in Norway. Rasa Zuzeviciute, NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology
16:45–17:00
The importance of including car tire particles in microplastic monitoring. Marie-Fleurine Olsen, Norwegian Environment Agency
17:00–17:15
Low-cost preventative measures can effectively mitigate microplastic release from scientific research facilities in Antarctica. Aanchal Jain, British Antarctic Survey
17:15–17:30
Large scale monitoring of marine macrolitter. Georg Hanke, European Commission Joint Research Centre
Day 3 Thursday, 22 October 2026 ▾
08:30–09:00
Actionable and innovative solutions to inform policy, strengthen stewardship, and advance effective responses to plastic pollution at local, regional, and global scales
09:00–09:45
Main Messages from Thematic Presentations
09:45–09:55
Summary from the Conference 'MACRO to NANO' — Dr. Thomas Maes, SEAMOHT Ltd
09:55–10:35
Preventing Marine Litter Through Circular Fishing Gear Systems
10:35–11:00
☕ Coffee break · Hörpuhorn
11:00–12:20
TBD
12:20–12:30
Symposium Closing Remarks — Icelandic Government Representative