By Chris MacDonald
Plastic Pollution in our local Pacific Ocean is a huge problem, according to Captain Charles Moore, who invites the public to the 30th Anniversary Party of Algalita Foundation, dedicated to “a future where plastic pollution is unthinkable.”
Nearly 30 years ago in 1995 Captain Charles acquired Orv Algalita, a 50-foot yacht research vessel utilized for kelp restoration along the California coast. In 1997 the yacht got a new rig and Captain Charles entered it in the Trans-Pac Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu to test it. Returning home from Hawaii, he motored through an area called the North Pacific Gyre, constantly surrounded with plastic debris – in a sea of Plastic Soup. This is where the Algalita Plastic Solution began.
Moore instituted a research plan and sampling protocol, organizing numerous voyages to the North Pacific Gyre with a team that collected water samples. “With more than a decade spent collecting samples, we discovered plastic was deleting zooplankton by a factor of six to one!” he said.
“An eye-opening discovery in the North Pacific nearly 30 years ago launched an internationally known environmental nonprofit and the movement to end plastic pollution,” Moore said.
Come celebrate the foundation’s success and discover how you can get involved at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach on Saturday, September 14th from 2 to 6 p.m. near Lifeguard Tower 26. The Beach Party with music and good vibes is co-sponsored by sister organizations Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research and Long Beach Organic.
“Help us create a future where plastic pollution is unthinkable,” Moore said.
If you have any questions call: 562-598-4889 or visit algalita.org.