The science about our oceans

Learn about the science behind Princess Olivia Investigates the Sea of Plastic

In the book, Princess Olivia finds that the oceans are full of plastics and there are no fish about. On this page, you can find out more about how plastics affect our oceans and about the scientists who are studying it.

Meet the Scientists

Meet some of the scientists who study our oceans and helped provide the science behind Princess Olivia Investigates the Sea of Plastic

Working with the National Oceanography Centre

To support with research for the story, Lucy Hawking collaborated with the National Oceanography Centre, working closely with Dr Chelsey Baker, Dr Sara Fowell, Prof Steph Henson, Dr Alice Marzocchi and Dr Katsia Pabortsava.

Prof Henson comments:

“We were thrilled to work with Lucy to showcase the marine science we do at NOC to a young audience. Princess Olivia’s adventures really bring to life the importance of the oceans for controlling climate change and for supporting all life on our planet. We hope this book will spark the interest of readers and drive them to find out more about how we can protect this vital part of our blue planet”.

Facts about our oceans

The Ocean is vast – it covers 71% of the Earth’s surface

Chelsey Baker

Marine Scientist or Oceanographer

is the term used to describe people who research our oceans and seas, including the creatures and plants that live there.

Scientists have measured that about 12 million tons of plastic goes into the ocean every year.

Katsia Pabortsava