CLICK > above video to understand why this expedition is important
SAILING the North Atlantic Ocean on a Sea Voyage to Study PLASTIC POLLUTION
From June 6-17, 2013, I will be traveling to Bermuda to sail to Newport, RI, through the North Atlantic Ocean Gyre with 12 other individuals. The voyage is intended to collect and study plastic pollution that has made its way from land to the middle of the ocean.
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Did you Know?
Did you know that plastic is being consumed by fish AND making its way up the food chain to your dinner table? HELP! This important global problem not only effects the health of marine ecosystems, but also all of our health and welfare as well.
That is why, I am headed out to sea for an expedition to study the impact of plastic pollution in the North Atlantic Ocean and to support in increasing our understanding and awareness. I will be guest crewing aboard the SeaDragon, a 72 ft research vessel run by Pangaea Explorations, with the 5 Gyres Institute acting as its scientific partner.
Together, we will travel out to the “North Atlantic Garbage Patch”. This is an area that traps man-made marine debris, aka plastic waste, in the ocean similar to the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" in the North Pacific, as shown in the above video.
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This image shows the type of work I will be preforming at sea
So What's This All About, Anyway?
The purpose of this expedition is to bring together business leaders, filmmakers, scientists, ocean lovers, and activists to conduct scientific research and increase public awareness on issues related to plastic pollution in our oceans.
This voyage will allow me to explore first-hand the effects of plastic marine debris in the ocean and how waste collects in the ocean's gyres. Working with lead scientists, I will also learn how these areas are mapped and analyzed.
While at sea, I will be conducting research, writing, and capturing photos, video, and art inspired by ocean plastics to share the experience through future talks and presentations.
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Why Help?
I have reserved a spot on SeaDragon, but cost is prohibitive. VANS is generously covering the cost for the voyage itself of $3000, and I am raising approximately $2500, for my travels and expenses to and from boarding SeaDragon. Any funding over the goal will be happily received and used to support working with NGO's and organizations to bridge the gap between activists, cause and company in creating win-win solutions that drive a sustainable resource rich economy forward. Any help is greatly appreciated and I will reward those who can help pitch in for a cleaner ocean!
Who is the 5 Gryes Insititute?
The 5 Gyres Institute is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization dedicated to conducting research on plastic pollution and building public awareness around plastic pollution issues. The expedition begins in Bermuda and travels to Newport RI, and then on to Woods Hole, MA.
http://5gyres.org
Okay, Okay So What are the Perks?
Great perks have been come up to offer the voyage's generous donors. Take a look at the list on the right side of your screen.
How Else Can You Help, You Ask?
A BIG way you can help is to SHARE THIS LINK:
igg.me/at/Karen-Expedition
So, post it to your Facebook wall, tweet about it, email your friends, send messangers on horseback, whatever your thing is.
