People lavishly apply UV filters (sunscreen) to prevent sunburn. Large numbers of people take beach holidays. Sunscreen's chemicals consequently globally pollute marine environments. For example, an estimated 6000 to 14000 tonnes of sunscreen are annually released in coral reef zones. The contained chemicals can bleach and deform the coral. They also decrease fish fertility in these same areas (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/18/sunscreens-impact-on-marine-life-needs-urgent-investigation-study-finds). Folk, holidaying in locations near coral reefs, are likely to both use sunscreen and go snorkelling. They might consequently be destroying the organisms they have paid to see. There must be ways of reducing the release of sunscreen's 'pseudo persistent pollutants', without increasing the damage to human skin by intense UV light.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
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