Concerned with the effects of marine plastic debris, Barker's photographic work has reached worldwide audiences through international exhibitions, educational outreach, media reports and other means. Her aim is to expand public awareness of the environmental crisis by using aesthetically attractive visuals to communicate evolving scientific research. This publication is introduced by Professor Richard Thompson OBE, a renowned marine scientist and Director of the University of Plymouth's Marine Institute. His work has contributed to legislation on microbeads in cosmetics and other forms of plastic pollution. Other texts include a foreword by Mandy Barker and an essay, Picturing Plastic Oceans, by Liz Wells, Professor in Photographic Culture at University of Plymouth. Barker also provides insight into the making of her images through an extensive survey of her personal process sketchbooks.