All-Female Sailing Voyage Explores Impact of Ocean Plastic Pollution to Research Detrimental Effects of Plastic on Health, Oceans, Ecosystems

November 22, 2019 – MALIBU, Calif., U.S. – Plastic Oceans International announced that Global Executive Director, Julie Andersen, will join Leg 4 of eXXpedition, a two-year, all-female sailing voyage to investigate the causes of, and solutions to ocean plastic pollution, November 29 to December 8.

“I look forward to conducting further research into the science behind plastic pollution’s impact on human health, and particularly female health, represented by XX in eXXpedition, to find solutions,” said Andersen. “Data show plastic pollutes the oceans and environment at an alarming rate, and it’s essential to rethink plastic use and management. Individuals, communities, companies and governments must collaborate to pass local and global laws that incentivize producer responsibility, eliminate single-use plastic products, require plastic packaging to be replaced with sustainable materials, and require producers to design essential plastics for efficient and effective reuse, recycling or compost.”

WHO:             Julie Andersen, Global Executive Director, Plastic Oceans International

WHAT:           eXXpedition Leg 4

WHEN:           November 29 – December 8, 2019

WHERE:         Antigua to Aruba, sailing on board the S.V. TravelEdge

WHY:              Research the impact of ocean plastic pollution on health and the environment to find solutions

On Leg 4, eXXpedition will explore the Caribbean and delve into local issues around marine debris and plastic pollution. Starting in Antigua, the voyage will sail to Bonaire, an island with a reef-lined coast protected by a National Marine Park with abundant wildlife, and the Dutch-Caribbean island of Aruba.

Julie Andersen

An expert will facilitate scientific data collection. Research includes sampling surface microplastics and processing some on board as part of the citizen science program; taking water samples from the upper water column to study the composition and distribution of different plastic polymer types in the upper ocean; and sampling sediments close to the coastline to explore the distribution, abundance and polymer composition of plastics in coastal sediments—coastal sediments are thought to be the ultimate sink for plastic.

eXXpedition will also work with the local population to raise awareness and celebrate the current environmental outreach work taking place.

eXXpedition set sail October 8 from Plymouth, UK to conduct research into the impact of ocean plastics and toxic materials. The all-female crew is traveling on board the S.V. TravelEdge, a 73-foot sailing vessel, navigating the planet’s most vital and diverse marine environments. The voyage will cross four of the five oceanic gyres –responsible for accumulating and moving plastic waste throughout the oceans – in addition to the Arctic.

eXXpedition is a nonprofit organization that specializes in all-women sailing trips to highlight the devastating effects of single-use plastic. Over the last five years, it has run global expeditions, including research into the detrimental impact of plastic on human health, animal life and Earth’s ecosystems. Since the first eXXpedition voyage across the Atlantic five years ago, more than 100 accomplished women have sailed missions worldwide, using their skills and expertise to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Learn more at https://exxpedition.com.

About Plastic Oceans International

Plastic Oceans International is a nonprofit organization working to end plastic pollution. It aims to change consumer behavior, corporate and public policy, and foster solutions to plastic waste. More than 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, yet more than 90% of all plastic is not recycled. At least eight million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year—equal to a garbage truck per minute. Studies find plastic pollutes the air, water and entire food chain, threatening human health, wildlife and the planet. Through solutions-focused films and digital content—complemented by research, education and awareness initiatives—Plastic Oceans promotes a global movement to rethink plastic. Learn more at plasticoceans.org, Facebook @PlasticOceans, Instagram @plasticoceans, Twitter @PlasticOceansUS and YouTube @PlasticOceansInternational.

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