We smother on the suncream in hot weather to protect our skin, but what damage is this doing to the marine environment? But did you know, your sunscreen could be harming the marine environment? “This demonstrates just how vital clear and accessible communication is in bridging the gap between research and public awareness,” Hodge said. Clear sunscreen messaging neededPrevious work by the University of Plymouth and PML focused on the effects of sunscreen chemicals on marine organisms. Sunscreen can enter the marine environment through swimming, and washing the towel used to dry off with afterwards.