Algalita project

Over the last few years I have been very conscious of and concerned about the giant garbage patch making its way around the Pacific. The Japanese tsunami has only added to that. I called Jeanne Gallagher who heads the Argalita Project which has, for the last few years, been sending out research and clean up expeditions regarding this and personally have learned a great deal. It appears that with the lessening of government and organization grants, the research is threatened by the lack of funds. They have two legs of research vessels planned for this spring and summer. If anyone is interested in joining them, I will add attachments to this post to let you know who and how to contact them. The expeditions are not cheap. For those who cannot take part, tax deductible contributions to this very worthy organization would be greatly appreciated I am sure. In late May they are holding a symposium in Japan that I hope to attend and will gladly share any information I derive from it. Right now, this organization needs our financial support so whether it is $5.00 or $2500., anything little bit helps. To get any further info feel free to contact Jeanne Gallagher
Her email address is: opsadmin@argalita.org
Steve


The Sea Dragon will carry researchers, crew, and paying passengers to tsunami-debris sites in the Pacific. Photograph courtesy Pangaea Explorations.
The March 11 Japanese tsunami pulled millions of tons of debris from the country's coastline following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake off Sendai.
Since then, scientists have been tracking and monitoring the wreckage—bits of houses, whole cars, and household appliances—floating at sea, corralled by ocean currents in the North Pacific into an area researchers estimate could be the size of California. And now they're inviting the public along for the ride, for a price.
Few people have seen the floating tsunami debris field up close, and most have been scientists or crew members on shipping freighters. But in May 2012 Pangaea Explorations, the Algalita Marine Research Foundation and the 5 Gyres Institute—organizations that specialize in researching plastic accumulation in the oceans-will take scientists and paying members of the public to the floating field of ruins. (See 20 unforgettable pictures of the Japan-tsunami aftermath.)




The trip aboard the Sea Dragon, a 72-foot (22-meter) sailing yacht, will loop the Pacific in two legs.The first leg—a 23-day trip originating in the Marshall Islands, passing through the giant ocean vortex called the Western Pacific Gyre, and ending in Tokyo—has a small chance of encountering the tsunami debris field.
But the second leg, originating in Tokyo, will follow the path of the debris with the specific intent of sampling it. That leg is to end 32 days later in Hawaii, where some of the material may come ashore as early the beginning of next year, according to predictions by the International Pacific Research Center.

1. Five (5) $10,000 and $25,000 sponsorships are available for each of the two Voyage Legs;
2. Sponsors who wish to pay for crew passage on either or both Legs are entitled to a discount

on crew passage; contact Algalita for details (562)-598-4889 – opsadmin@algalita.org
THE $10,000 SPONSOR LEVEL INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

• 2’ x 2’ logo Decal on Sea Dragon hull. Logos will remain on the hull for all subsequent 5 Gyres/Algalita expeditions throughout 2012;
• Listing on Algalita/5 Gyres/Pangaea websites as partners with sponsor logo and brief description of your organization;
• Recognition in all Algalita/5 Gyres/Pangaea Explorations approved Sponsor generated press releases and publications sent out through Algalita/5 Gyres social media and blog audience;
• Recognition in Algalita/5 Gyres Annual Report;
• One dedicated blog posted on both Algalita and 5 Gyres websites;
• One (1) Trawl Sample from the Western Pacific Garbage Patch;
• If sponsor provides wearable goods (such as jacket, windbreaker, hat, sunglasses, etc.), crew will wear items at land-based functions and at departure and arrival locations;
• Sponsor will receive a summary voyage report, to include sponsor acknowledgment;
• Access to selected collection of photos/videos;
• A copy of Captain Moore’s book, “Plastic Ocean”, personally autographed by the author;
• 5 Gyres or Algalita staff are available to make a presentation to Sponsor personnel or affiliates; arrangements to be made on an individual basis;
• First priority on sponsoring future Algalita/5 Gyres/ Pangaea Explorations expeditions.

THE $25,000 SPONSORSHIP LEVEL INCLUDES ALL BENEFITS AT THE $10,000 LEVEL, PLUS THE FOLLOWING:

JOIN THE HISTORIC 2012 ALGALITA/5 GYRES JAPAN TSUNAMI EXPEDITION
​

Algalita Marine Research Foundation, 5 Gyres Institute and Pangaea Explorations LLC offer an unprecedented opportunity to scientists, educators and interested parties to sail through the projected debris field left in the wake of two of nature's deadliest forces....a massive earthquake and devastating tsunami. Join our research expedition through the North Pacific Ocean sailing aboard Pangaea Explorations Sea Dragon .
May 1, 2012. The first leg is scheduled to leave from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands through an area of the North Pacific Gyre referred to as the “Western Garbage Patch” where little research has been conducted on plastic pollution. Following arrival in Japan on May 23, there will be a week layover in Japan. May 30, 2012 The second leg is scheduled to begin May 30, traveling due east from Japan to Hawaii crossing the Tsunami Debris Field, arriving on Maui, Hawaii, July 1.

Nine crew spaces are available on each Leg.​

Requirements: Personal medical insurance must be in place prior to any point of departure. Valid Passport/Visa


Cost Per Person: Leg 1 - $9,500. Leg 2 - $15,500. A deposit of $4,000 and $5,000, respectively, is required at the time of registration. Proceeds from the fare will support Algalita’s and 5 Gyres’ cooperative research and science-based educational outreach.


Cost includes: Berth space, meals and participation in scientific activities throughout the Expedition.
Cost exclusions: Land lodging, including the layover in Japan. Transportation to and from vessel points of departure or arrival.


The 2012 voyage is open to anyone 18 years and older, regardless of sailing experience. Participants will travel with four professional crew members and will be expected to earn their sea legs and rough hands by hauling in lines and hoisting sails. They will also conduct research side-by-side with scientists, whether operating a trawl or collecting and cataloging plastic marine pollution material and sea life.

CONTACT JEANNE GALLAGHER AT ALGALITA MARINE RESEARCH FOUNDATION [url]WWW.ALGALITA.ORG[/URL]OPSADMIN@ALGALITA.ORG 562-598-4889​

CALL FOR CREW, SPONSORS AND PARTNERSAlgalita/5 Gyres Japan Tsunami Expedition
​

In March, 2011, the world was stunned by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that dealt a crushing blow to Japan. The disaster brought with it a unique opportunity to not only further research on the issue of plastic pollution and its effects on the marine ecosystem and potential risks to human health, but to witness first-hand the resultant power of Mother Nature at work. Previously announced, the Algalita Marine Research Foundation (Algalita) and the 5 Gyres Institute are collaborating with Pangaea Explorations to conduct a 7,000-mile, high-seas research expedition aboard the Sea Dragon sailing vessel May 1 through July 1, 2012. As we move across the North Pacific Gyre through debris strewn with pieces of people’s lives, our main goals will be studying the effects of plastic pollution and marine debris relative to:

• providing habitat for marine life and its ability to transport invasive species from one continent to another;
• rates of decomposition of debris;
• colonization of marine life on, and into, different materials;
• educating students through the Algalita Ship 2 Shore blog; and
• spatial distribution of debris along the entire voyage transect.

We will also endeavor to observe, record, and recover personal items that might have survived, then make every effort to return them to their rightful owners, or their families, through the appropriate channels.
While none of us really have a clear understanding of the content, size and distribution of the field, it is incumbent on those who have the ability and expertise to journey through and investigate it. The knowledge we gain will be invaluable to scientists; government agencies and educators across the globe. This is a time critical expedition, due to the dispersion phenomenon of debris at sea. There will likely be no opportunity for this type of study for centuries to come.

WE NEED YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT!WE ARE PART WAY THERE, BUT WE HAVE ROOM FOR MORE CREW, SPONSORS, AND PARTNERS​

As a vested ally in this world issue, we ask that you please:

• SHARE THIS WITH COLLEAGUES WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN COMING ABOARD AS A PAYING CREW MEMBER;
• REACH OUT TO OTHERS WHO MAY WANT THEIR ORGANIZATION’S NAME ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VENTURE AS A SPONSOR OR PARTNER;
• CONSIDER MAKING YOUR OWN DONATION TO ASSURE THAT THIS HISTORIC EXPEDITION SUCCEEDS.

Please refer to the Sponsor Options and Benefits, attached.
To participate at any of these levels, CONTACT Algalita at 562-598-4889 or opsadmin@algalita.org​