Our Plastic Ocean

Introduction

• Plastic pollution in the Pacific Ocean, forming a floating island of trash.
• Expedition to study the size and impact of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
• Led by Tyler and Alex, the Water Brothers, exploring global water issues.

Journey to the Garbage Patch

• Starting point: Marshall Islands, scattered with imported plastic products.
• No recycling capacity; waste ends up in the ocean.
• Highlighting that plastic pollution is a global issue.

Expedition Details

• Sailing on the Sea Dragon yacht, built for harsh ocean conditions.
• Team included scientists, students, sailors, and business leaders.
• Led by Dr. Marcus Erickson from 5 Gyres, focusing on plastic pollution.

Understanding Gyres

• Gyres: large systems of circulating ocean currents.
• Five major gyres: two in the Pacific, two in the Atlantic, one in the Indian Ocean.
• Act as accumulation zones for floating trash.

Discoveries and Observations

• Past research and Captain Charles Moore's discovery of the Garbage Patch.
• Modified trawling devices used to gather data on plastic pollution.
• High-speed trawl and slow-speed manta trawl for sampling.

Impact on Marine Life

• Plastic in oceans doesn't biodegrade, breaks into smaller pieces.
• Marine animals ingest plastic, mistaking it for food.
• Documented cases of harm to 660 species, potentially affecting humans.

Life Onboard and Research Activity

• Daily life on the Sea Dragon included multitasking and research.
• Observations of plastic debris and marine life interactions.
• Discovery of invasive species using plastic as rafts.

The Reality of the Garbage Patch

• No "island" of trash, but widespread microplastic pollution.
• Comparison of the entire ocean to a garbage patch.
• Impossible to clean microplastics from the vast ocean.

Fishing Nets and Floating Ecosystems

• Encountered "net balls" serving as habitats and traps.
• Released trapped marine life, though survival is uncertain.

Industry and Solutions

• Discussion on extended producer responsibility for plastics.
• Bio plastics as a potential solution, though currently more costly.
• Recycling seen as part of the solution, but not the entirety.

Actions and Future Steps

• Need to reduce single-use plastic consumption.
• Improve recycling rates and industry responsibility.
• Emphasis on consumer power to demand changes for a healthier ocean and planet.

Conclusion

• Final thoughts on the expedition's insights and the necessity for proactive solutions to plastic pollution.
• Key takeaway: The solution begins on land, focusing on reducing plastic use and improving waste management.