Algalita Marine Research Foundation

Since 1997, Captain Moore has made numerous research voyages to the Gyre aboard the ORV Alguita, resulting in a body of authoritative research publications and data and educational programs. During the most recent voyage in the summer of 2009, AMRF's area of study extended to the International Date Line which revealed more of the same - plastic sludge in our trawl samples. During our celebration of Algalita's 15th anniversary in 2010, we have participated in voyages to the North Atlantic and Indian Ocean Gyres. We will participate in a voyage to the South Atlantic Gyre later this year and plan to go to the South Pacific in 2011, expanding our research to include all five major gyres worldwide. We are confident our research will lead the way to a new era of consciousness regarding the issue of plastic marine pollution. Part of our current research is focusing on a better understanding of the magnitude of our plastic footprint, including the effects of fish ingestion of plastic on human health. "The base component of the marine food chain is being displaced by a non-digestible, non-nutritive component which is actually out-weighing and out-numbering the natural food.