Plastic, chips and mushy peas, please – Siena’s photos put focus on ocean pollution

A student worried about plastic pollution in the world’s oceans has created a series of clever photographs to raise awareness of the issue.

Siena McCollin, who studies photography at the University of Northampton, took a photo of a portion of what – at first glance – seems like fish, chips and mushy peas.

But if you look closely, the fish is in fact a plastic bottle covered in batter.

Siena has also taken photos of sardines with plastic eyes and a crab on a plate with plastic legs.

Siena’s photo of sardines with plastic eyes.

Siena’s crab photograph features a real crustacean, complete with plastic legs.

Siena, who comes from Northampton, said: “Plastic pollution in our oceans is a pressing issue and there’s an urgent need to raise awareness of the problem.

“Minute pieces of plastic, known as microplastics, are finding their way into the food chain – they are being eaten by fish and shellfish, and in turn by humans.

“I want my photos to be part of the ripple effect for change, and if one person decides to act now because of them, the pictures will have done their job.”

A World Wildlife Fund study released this month (June 2019) suggests people are consuming about five grams of plastic every week, because of polluted water. That’s just over 250 grams a year – the weight of a pack of butter you’d buy from the supermarket.

Photography student, Siena McCollin.