2012 Asia Pacific Expedition Report

PARTNERS IN OCEAN EXPLORATION & CONSERVATION

Algalita Marine Research Foundation • 148 N. Marina Drive • Long Beach, CA 90803 • www.algalita.org • +1(562)598-4889 5 Gyres Institute 2122 S. Spaulding Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90016 • www.5gyres.org • +1(310)998-8616 Pangaea Exploration • www.panexplore.com • 3238 Emathla Street • Miami, FL 33133 • +1(305)582-5574

Algalita Marine Research Foundation 5 Gyres Institute

Pangaea Exploration

2012 EXPEDITION TO STUDY PLASTIC MARINE POLLUTION IN THE

NORTH PACIFIC SUBTROPICAL GYRE

THE EXPEDITION VESSEL AND CREW On May 3, 2012 the Sea Dragon departed Majuro Atoll in the Marshal Islands to begin a three-week expedition through the North Pacific Gyre, 2,600 miles to Tokyo, Japan. Our target area was between 20°-30°N and 150°-155°E. This is based on the highest concentration found by Robert Day in 1995-88, more than a quarter century ago, where he found 316,800 pieces/km2. The region south of his study area is where the hi-pressure system stabilizes this time of year, so we will go there to document plastic pollution in that region for the first time.

Area sampled by Robert Day and others in the late 1980’s.

(Day, R. H., Shaw, D. G., Ignell, S. E., 1990. The quantitative distribution and

characteristics of neuston plastic in the North Pacific Ocean, 1984-1988. In Proceedings of

the Second International Conference on Marine Debris, eds. R. S. Shomura and M. L.

Godfrey.) There were 14 crew on the expedition. Skipper Rodrigo Olson and First Mate Jesse Horton sailed the Sea Dragon from port to port. Marcus Eriksen, PhD led the expedition, collecting samples for the 5 Gyres Institute, Algalita Marine Research Foundation and several other colleagues, including NOAA, SCRIPPS, IPRC and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Hank Carson, PhD. was aboard to study colonial communities fouling marine debris, as well as collect samples of plastic pollution for his students and colleagues at University of Hawaii at Hilo. Filmmakers Alex and Tyler Mifflin were aboard to document the journey for a series titled “The Water Brothers”, in which they explore water issues around the world. Belinda Braithwaite, Carolyn Box, Bob Atwater, Valerie Lecour, Michael Brown, Cynthia Matzke, Shanley Mcentee and Kristal Ambrose rounded out the expedition with a wealth of experience, with filmmakers, educators, students, sailors, and representatives of the plastics and packaging industries. The Sea Dragon (originally CB 37) and her sister-ships were built for the 2000/ 04 Global Challenge race- a “wrong way”, upwind circumnavigation. She was designed to thrive in the Southern Ocean and safely handle the world’s worst sailing conditions. The boats were also specifically set up for volunteer crew with limited sailing experience. Today, those same qualities make her an exceptional platform for long-distance, remote expedition sailing. At 72’ (22m) and 90,000 lbs displacement she will carry up to 14 crewmembers for extended journeys. Her cruising speed of 12kts and capability make her true to the British MCA rating – she is “all oceans.” We have a combination of sea berths, double bunks, comfortable galley and dining area, large amounts of fresh water, and fully heated cabins in bright spacious interior spaces. Iridium satellite phones, HF radio and multiple electronics keep us safe and close-to-home, despite being well offshore.

Highest concentration here




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Leg 1 began on May 3rd from Majuro Atoll and zigzaged through the Western Garbage Patch to the center, then onward to Tokyo by May 22nd, traveling nearly 2600 miles in 19 days.

The image below, provided to us by Nikolai Maximenko from the International Pacific Research Center, shows the predicted location of tsunami debris as of April 3rd 2012. This estimate is based on established drifter buoy data and does not include influences by wind. There is a convergence of an estimated 5-10% of the tsunami debris in the Western Accumulation Zone.




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INTRODUCTION TO THE ISSUE OF PLASTIC POLLUTION (Adapted from AMRF White Paper, prepared by Danae Werthmann, 2007)

Marine pollution represents one of the most significant environmental problems facing mankind.1 Since 70% of the Earth’s surface area is covered by an interconnected ocean, marine debris is a global issue. The ocean’s vast surface area, which many people have never seen, except perhaps on a beach, may be part of the reason that people do not feel alarmed at how much of our trash has reached the center of the ocean. The ocean has historically been viewed as a dumping ground. Unlike their experience with an overflowing trash bin at home, people cannot literally see the effects of the marine debris on the ocean, its marine life and the ecosystems involved. With more research and understanding of the world ocean and all its waterways, we have become intensely aware of how much the Earth needs the ocean, because all life is intricately linked to it. The amount of marine debris is increasing in spite of global treaties such as MARPOL Annex V and the Marine Plastic Pollution Research Control Act to prevent pollution in international waters, and increasing efforts in developing countries to protect water quality. For example, the abundance of micro plastics in the Central North Pacific went up by a factor of 3 over the last decade2 and off the coast of Japan by a factor of 10 every 2-3 years3. Plastics are the largest and most detrimental part of the marine debris problem. The majority of marine debris is comprised of plastic materials—60-80% overall and 90% of floating debris.4 Plastic is a mix of monomers linked together to become polymers, to which additional chemicals can be added for suppleness, flame resistance, and other qualities. Because of their properties, plastics are essentially “forever”: they do not biodegrade or dissolve into organic matter that can reenter the life cycle. Instead plastic photodegrades, which means it breaks up into smaller pieces when exposed to sunlight, and these smaller pieces persist in the marine environment for hundreds of years. No one knows the true length of time it will take for these plastic pieces to biodegrade, but researchers estimate that it could be several centuries, even in the most microbial rich environments. This is alarming, especially considering that 60 billion tons of plastic are being produced every year, and most of this is single use plastic. Pre-production plastic pellets (commonly known as nurdles or mermaid tears), are lentil-sized pellets, light enough to be swept up into the air and small enough to easily spill out of shipping containers when loading and unloading. When improperly stored nurdles wash into waterways through stormdrains and sewers as non-point source runoff. A sizeable source of coastal pollution comes from nurdles as well as plastic powders and production scrap. A survey done by S.L. Moore, et al., estimated that “approximately 106 million items, weighing 12 metric tons, occur in Orange County beaches… The three categories of plastics (pre-production plastic pellets, foamed plastics, and hard plastics) accounted for 99% of the total abundance and 51% of the total weight.”5 Another study estimates that nurdles now make up roughly 10% of plastic debris in the ocean. Recent research illustrates that plastic debris in smaller sizes is becoming more prevalent in the ocean, due partially to photodegraded pieces of plastic that are breaking down but not going away.

1 Tharpes, Yvonne, “International Environmental Law: Turning the Tide on Marine Pollution,” 20 U. Miami Inter-Am. L.Rev. 579, 581. 2 Charles Moore, Gwen Lattin, Ann Zellers, “Density of Plastic Particles found in zooplankton trawls from Coastal Waters of California to the North Pacific Central Gyre,” in Proceedings of the Plastic Debris Rivers to Sea Conference, 2005 www.plasticdebris.org 3 Ogi, H. 1990. Ingestion of plastic particles by sooty and short-tailed shearwaters in the North Pacific. pp. 635-652. In: R.S. Shomura and M.L. Godfrey (eds.), Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Marine Debris. April 2-7, 1989, Honolulu, Hawaii. US Dep. of Comm., NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS, NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-154. 4 J.G.B. Derraik, “The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review” Marine Pollution Bulletin 44 (2002):843; Gregory, M.R., Ryan, P.G. “Pelagic plastics and other seaborne persistent synthetic debris: a review of Southern Hemisphere perspectives” in Coe, J.M. Rogers, D.B. (Eds.), Marine Debris- Sources, Impacts and Solutions, (1997) Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 49-66 5 Moore, S. L., D. Gregorio, M. Carreon, S.B. Weisberg, & M.K. Leecaster, “Composition and Distribution of Beach Debris in Orange County, California.” Marine Pollution Bulletin 42.3 (2001): 241-245.

http://www.plasticdebris.org/




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HOW PLASTICS MOVE

The North Pacific Central Gyre is a convergence zone with high atmospheric pressure, thus having weak currents and winds. With little current moving the water, marine debris that has been circulating in the oceans gets caught in these gyres (5 subtropical gyres in all). Algalita Marine Research Foundation has performed multiple studies in the North Pacific Central Gyre, publishing the first observations of plastic in the region.6 Hence, the common nickname “Eastern Garbage Patch” was given to the region since the gyre traps and holds trash unwittingly discarded by humans. Plastics have been found throughout the ocean water column. Some plastic is buoyant (it floats), some neutrally buoyant, while other plastic is heavier and sinks. The plastic particles that float will circulate through the ocean currents, often traveling great distances as can be seen from the variety of debris on various coastlines. Uninhabited islands have some of the most extreme marine debris problems (as in the case of Kure Atoll) from currents along their borders washing up debris from inhabited places.

Some of this floating plastic may end up in the food chain because many marine organisms are known to ingest plastics they mistake for food. 40% of the premature deaths of innocent Albatross chicks on Midway Atoll in the North Pacific Gyre are from plastics in the regurgitated food given to the young from the adult birds.7 Even zooplankton and marine invertebrates are known to ingest small plastic fragments of marine debris.8 Nurdles are readily confused for fish eggs by mammals that consume them. Another problem related to marine organisms is entanglement, with mammals getting caught in various marine debris. Cases of harm to marine mammals range from the classic examples of fish being caught by a 6-pack soda ringlet to a baby turtle getting a plastic ring stuck around its shell - as he or she grows the shell deforms to a bow shape. Plastic debris affects at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species.9 Some wildlife harmed by plastic is threatened or endangered species under California or federal law.

THE TOXICITY ISSUE 6 C.J. Moore et al., (2001) “A Comparison of Plastic and Plankton in the Pacific Central Gyre,” Marine Pollution Bulletin 42: 297-1300. 7 Kenneth R. Weiss, “Plague of Plastic Chokes the Seas,” (2 Aug 2006) LA Times. 8 Richard C. Thompson, “Lost at Sea: Where is all the Plastic?” SCIENCE Magazine, 838, (May 7, 2004): 304. 9 Laist, D.W. (1997) “Impacts of marine debris: entanglement of marine life in marine debris including a comprehensive list of species with entanglement and ingestion records,” in Coe, J.M.. Rogers D.B., (eds.) in Marine Debris—Sources, Impacts and Solutions. New York: Springer-Verlag; J.G.B. Derraik at 844.




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Plastics may be releasing pollutants because of their original additive components. Additives like, Nonylphenols, PBDEs, Phthalates, and Bisphenol A (BPA), are added to plastic during production to catalyze monomers into polymers and give it different properties like flexibility, durability and UV resistance. Some of these chemicals are considered hormone-disrupters. These chemicals have the potential to be released from plastics and enter the marine environment. Additives even contaminate the foods they are designed to protect. As an example, BPA has been linked with cancer and “mimics the activity of the endocrine disrupting chemicals. …Significant human exposure to BPA has been documented, and a number of small epidemiological studies have reported a relationship between blood levels of BPA and abnormalities such as miscarriage, ovarian disease, and obesity in humans. These studies were all conducted after similar findings had been reported in animals.”10 New research also demonstrates that plastics absorb, transport, and desorb hydrophobic pollutants. Nonylphenols, PCBs, DDT and DDE are three of the hydrophobic pollutants that are carried or absorbed by plastic particles and released by plastic debris. Floating plastic particles also transport marine organisms that attach themselves to debris and migrate, serving as a vector for exotic species dispersal.11 The arrival of these invasive species may have vast consequences, including the loss of global marine species diversity if this biotic mixing continues. The invasive species can be detrimental to littoral, intertidal and shoreline ecosystems because they often dominate over the native species. 12 For example, plastic washed ashore on the Florida coast brought with it two bryozoan species, the Membranipora tuberculata and the Electra tenella, that are increasingly prevalent as dominant predators and continue to drift to the coast from the Caribbean.13

SUMMARY With the acceptance that plastic marine debris as a legislative issue, we can begin to raise public awareness. It is vital that we continue to support research to further understand the effects of plastics on the environment, animals, and humans. It is important that legislation specific to plastic waste be passed, because as of now legislation is limited to bulk waste management and does not address the special problems posed by photodegradation, in the absence of biodegradation, of plastics and its attendant toxicity for life on earth. 10 Vom Saal, F. S., W.V. Welshons, & S. Parmigiani “Leaching of Bisphenol A From Polycarbonate Plastic Disrupts Development via Epigenetic Mechanisms.” Prepared for the Erice International Seminars on Planetary Emergencies, Erice, Italy. 19-26 August 2006. 11 California Ocean Protection Council, “Resolution of the California Protection Council on Reducing and Preventing Marine Debris,” (8 Feb 2007): 1-4. <http://resources.ca.gov/copc/02-08-07_meeting/Adopted_Marine_Debris_Res_0207.pdf> 12 J.G.B. Derraik at 847. 13 Winston, J.E., et al, “Encrusters, epibionts, and other biota associated with pelagic plastics: a review of biogeographical, environmental, and conservation issues,” (1997) Coe, J.M.. Rogers D.B., (eds.) in Marine Debris—Sources, Impacts and Solutions. New York: Springer-Verlag; & J.G.B. Derraik at 847.




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RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND METHODS

1. Conduct surface samples of plastic pollution every 50-60 nautical miles along the entire journey using our manta trawl. These samples will be used to understand the surface abundance of plastic pollution (count and weight) on average per square kilometer.

2. Collect samples of plastic pollution using hand nets to investigate the type and quantity of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that adsorb and absorb onto plastic pollution floating in the ocean. These samples will be sent to Woods Hole, MA for analysis.

3. Keep an active log of observations of large debris, and communicate the location and description to several agencies, including IPRC and NOAA. They are interested in understanding the distribution of macro-debris from the March 2011 tsunami event.

4. Collect large pieces of plastic and dive on very large debris items to investigate the diversity of marine life that colonize on floating trash. These samples will be collected and analyzed by Hank Carson, U. of Hawaii.

5. Halobates will be collected from each manta trawl. They will be given to Miriam Goldstein at SCRIPPS to understand whether this insect is an indicator species for plastic pollution.

Collecting Trawl Samples. Surface samples were collected using a 0.6 x 0.15 m2 rectangular opening manta trawl with a 3 m long, 333 micron net and a 30 x 10 cm2 collecting bag. The net was fitted with a flow-meter to measure the flow of water into the net, correcting for the influence of the speed and direction of current. Samples were preserved with 5% formalin. In the laboratory, samples are placed in fresh water and floating plastic is removed. A dissecting microscope is used to remove remaining debris and plankton. Debris is sorted by category (plastics, tar, rust, paint chips, carbon fragments, and feathers) and plastics are further categorized (fragments, Styrofoam, pellets, polypropylene/monofilament line, thin plastic films, and resin). Each category is sorted by size through Tyler sieves of 4.75, 2.80, 1.00, 0.70, 0.50 and 0.35 mm, and then each category is counted. Plastic, plankton and plant material is then oven dried at 65º C for 24 h and weighed.




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Collecting Marine Organisms from Plastic Debris. Plastic marine pollution provides a substrate for communities of marine organisms to colonize, and has the potential to carry them long distances, unlike natural debris (wood, seeds) that persist in the ocean for a relatively short period of time. Though the manta trawl is capable of capturing pieces of fouled plastic, the most efficient sampling method is to sight and track down large buoyant debris fouled by marine organisms. With crew on deck at all times spotting debris, the boat can be maneuvered to allow hand nets to recover what we see. If large items are found, like giant net boluses, the crew is allowed to dive on the debris for a closer look and recover pieces. Marine organisms and plastic are preserved in 5% formalin in sample jars for later analysis and identification. Collecting Plastic and Fish for POPs Analysis. The hi-speed trawl is similar to the manta trawl, except for a vertical net opening rather than horizontal, 500-micron mesh rather than 333, and it is towed at a speed up to 8 knots rather than 2. This trawl can be deployed overnight to capture plastic and fish on the sea surface during long transits between manta trawl deployment locations. Plastic fragments are handled with sterile gloves, wrapped in baked aluminum foil and frozen at -20°C. .

PRELIMINARY RESULTS 21 manta trawls and 21 hi-speed trawls were conducted along 2600 mile sailing route between Majuro Atoll and Tokyo, Japan, with two turns at waypoints within the accumulation zone. We began trawling 200 nautical miles northwest of Bikini Atoll. We arrived at Waypoint 1 at 20°N, 155°E and turned north. We maintained this heading for 300 miles to Waypoint 2 at 25°N, 155°E, then turned northwest toward Tokyo. The first trawl, using the hi-speed trawl, was deployed at 12°28N,163°27E. Immediately we began to encounter microplastic particles. Every trawl afterward produced plastic.

21 trawling stations along our route Hi-Speed Trawl #18 from 27°50N, 150°15E.

Marine Debris Sightings. There were two methods of sighting debris, the 1hr. concentrated observations, and the ongoing debris log for random sightings. The concentrated observations totaled 1225 minutes, just over 20 hours, with a total of 151 items spotted. An average of 1 piece of debris was sighted every 8 minutes. The observations started at approximately 15°N x 160° E and ended at around 33°N x 143° E. Since our speed varied considerably, a more accurate depiction of the results is pieces per square kilometer. Assuming an effective average sighting window of 60 feet, we diligently stared at a total of 3.75 km2 of ocean, and so our 151 sightings averages to 40 pieces per km2. These




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numbers are not adjusted for sea state - so always keep in mind that most things are very difficult to see. We saw nothing for the first few days, and built to a peak of 209 pieces/km2 on the 14th. Things seemed to be tailing off, until right outside Japan’s EEZ, where we sighted the second-highest concentration: 154 pieces/km2.

Random sightings of debris accounted for 143 items, including fishing buoys, plastic containers and fragments, glass and plastic bottles, foamed polystyrene, etc… Crew spotters scanned the horizon for debris, and if considered recoverable, the spotter would direct the ship to it, while others prepared nets for recovery. Debris was hauled onto the deck and scanned for new species. Selected marine organisms were preserved by H. Carson. Debris was kept with the Sea Dragon and disposed of in Tokyo. Including all of the 151 concentrated observations, a total of 294 debris sightings we made. Net Boluses – There were two sightings of nets on this voyage. The first net was spotted on May 12th at 17:30 (22.13N, 155.16E). We tied the bolus to the




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stern and the crew took turns swimming to it. After an hour to film, photograph, and remove organisms from the bolus in the water, it was hauled onto the deck and cut into three pieces. Additional organisms were recovered, totaling 35 species, including associated fish. The second net bolus was found on May 17th at 18:30 (30.14N, 146.16E). It was hauled on deck and shook to drop organisms. This time, unlike previous nets and other debris, brittle stars fell to the deck. The next day the bolus was lifted and moved, revealing two cowrie shells, the first observation of these gastropods on rafting debris.

CONCLUSION The Sea Dragon safely carried 14 crew 2,600 nm from Majuro to Tokyo in 19 sailing days in May 2012. Our research goals were met, thanks to good weather, and as Bob would say “An outstanding crew”. Each crewmember has a sample of plastic pollution collected during the expedition. This is a useful communication tool to help crewmembers become powerful ambassadors for the plastic pollution issue. The 5 Gyres Institute, Algalita Marine Research Institute and Pangaea Explorations are proud to have been a part of this growing awareness and pleased to have a crew of new colleagues that have seen plastic in the sea for themselves. Fair winds and following seas




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List of debris from random sightings

Sample # Date Time Lat, Long Plastic Description

1 5/4/12 1030AM 9° 07.41N, 169° 12.44E

White plastic cup, no lid (yogurt container size)

2 5/4/12 230PM 9° 36.32N, 168° 34.31E

Black bouy sized object (possibly coconuts)

3 5/5/12 625AM 10°22.22N, 167°02.57E Approx 6-inch white plastic tube

4 5/6/12 215PM 12°22.58N, 163°37.03E Yellow plastic fragment (~6-inch by 2-inch)

5 5/8/12 1010AM 15°58.40N, 159°22.28E Approx 1/3 of a 5 gallon bucket

6 5/9/12 315PM 17°52.62N, 157°10.68E Blue/clear plastic bottle

7 5/9/12 625AM 17°58.45N, 157°03.71E glass bottle (vodka?), looked old

8 5/10/12 11:33AM 19°02.59N, 156°23.38E clear plastic bottle with red cap

9 5/10/12 11:35AM 19°02.58N, 156°23.32E

4-inch by 6-inch white piece of plastic covered in algae

10 5/10/12 12:04AM 19°02.96N, 156°22.44E white round 4-inch fragment

11 5/10/12 12:04AM 19°02.96N, 156°22.44E green plastic 4-inch sheeting

12 5/10/12 12:07AM 19°03.05N, 156°22.24E 2-3-inch white fragment

13 5/10/12 12:11AM 19°03.07N, 156°21.92E 2-inch white fragment

14 5/10/12 12:11AM 19°03.07N, 156°21.92E small white fragment (under 2-inches)

15 5/10/12 12:13AM 19°03.12N, 156°21.80E blue 1/2-inch to 1-inch fragment

16 5/10/12 1:25PM 19°06.39N, 156°16.44E

small 3-inch white fragment (possibly styrofoam)




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17 5/10/12 1:34PM 19°06.67N, 156°16.05E small white fragment (3-inch), broken

18 5/10/12 2:14PM 19°09.01N, 156°14.42E

blue fragments (2-inch to 3-inch), lots of bio on it

19 5/10/12 6:36PM 19°28.33N, 156°02.82E styrofoam cup

20 5/11/12 10:00AM 19°51N, 155°04E 3/4 of a yellow bucket

21 5/11/12 10:45AM 19°55.30N, 155°04.09E small piece of orange plastic

22 5/11/12 10:45AM 19°55.30N, 155°04.09E small piece of white plastic

23 5/11/12 10:57AM 19°56.50N, 155°04.04E cleaning brittle

24 5/11/12 11:15AM 19°56.50N, 155°04.04E EPS foam 2-inch chunk (10-inch by 5-inch)

25 5/11/12 12PM 19°55.30N, 155°04.09E white chunk,, fouled, 10-inch by 5-inch

26 5/11/12 1:00PM 20°09.86N, 155°03.74E White fragment (6-inch by 3-inch),

27 5/11/12 1:00PM 20°09.86N, 155°03.74E Clear Blue water bottle and cap

28 5/11/12 2:10PM 20°15.48N, 155°05.37E

White foam with bite mark (4-inch by 3-inch)

29 5/11/12 2:15PM 20°15.48N, 155°05.37E Plastic knife (blue)

30 5/11/12 2:45PM 20°17.46N, 155°06.01E Foam (possibly cup), ~4-inches

31 5/11/12 4:10PM 20°25.54N, 155°08.94E Green styrofoam (3-inch by 3-inch)

32 5/11/12 5:15PM 20°31.43N, 155°11.20E

large white styrofoam, as big as a 55-gallon drum

33 5/12/12 8:45AM 21°42N, 155°24E 30-40 cm diameter white buoy

34 5/12/12 10:45AM 21°52.24N, 155°27.98E

small white square fragment (3-inch by 1-inch)

35 5/12/12 1:15PM 22°39.10N, 155°22.94E Foam cup

36 5/12/12 1:30PM 22°39.10N, 155°22.94E Plastic Piece

37 5/12/12 1:45PM 22°39.10N, 155°22.94E 1/2 plastic crate

38 5/12/12 2:00PM 22°39.10N, 155°22.94E

plastic buoy 12-inch around (flat fish under 12-inches)

39 5/12/12 2:10PM 22°31N, 155°21E Clorox bottle white

40 5/12/12 2:20PM 22° 28N, 155°18E white bottle cap




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41 5/13/12 10:08AM 23°27.72N, 155°14.22E white plastic fragment (2-inches)

42 5/13/12 9:55AM 23°27.72N, 155°14.22E plastic fragment

43 5/13/12 11:05 AM 23°33.65N, 155°17.20E styrofoam fragment (6-inch by 3-inch)

44 5/13/12 12:25 PM 23°39.45N, 155°17.76E 1-liter plastic water bottle

45 5/13/12 2:00PM 23°43.12N, 155°17.10E plastic meat tray

46 5/13/12 2:00PM 23°43.12N, 155°17.10E small piece of white plastic

47 5/13/12 2:00PM 23°43.12N, 155°17.10E small piece of white plastic

48 5/13/12 2:13PM 23°43.12N, 155°17.10E rectangular white plastic (3-inch by 2-inch)

49 5/13/12 3:19PM 23°49.21N, 155°16.40E light bulb, 20-inch long, white

50 5/14/12 8:35 AM 24°53.41N, 154°27.11E small white buoy

51 5/14/12 9:15 AM 25°00.97N, 154°16.05E

yellow/orange foam square (8-inch by 12-inch)

52 5/14/12 9:15 AM 25°43.12N, 154°17.10E yellow small fishing float

53 5/14/12 9:20 AM 25°01.54N, 154°19.29E white styrofoam (8-inch by 6-inch)

54 5/14/12 9:35 AM 25°02.76N, 154°17.10E white styrofoam (12-inch by 12-inch)

55 5/14/12 9:35 AM 25°02.76N, 154°17.10E black fishing float with barnicles

56 5/14/12 10:10AM 25°05.98N, 154°09.35E 5-inch by 3-inch white styrofoam

57 5/14/12 12PM 25°09.77N, 154°02.37E styrofoamm (4-inches), white

58 5/14/12 12:10PM 25°09.77N, 154°02.37E white plastic fragments (3-inches)

59 5/14/12 12:10PM 25°09.77N, 154°02.37E white plastic fragments (3-inches)

60 5/14/12 12:10PM 25°09.77N, 154°02.37E styrofoam fragment

61 5/14/12 12:20PM 25°10.86N, 154°00.70E white round fragments with jagged edges

62 5/14/12 12:40PM 25°12.32N, 153°58.23E large orange buoy

63 5/14/12 12:40PM 25°12.32N, 153°58.23E large foam chunk

64 5/14/12 12:40PM 25°12.32N, 153°58.23E gatorade plastic bottle

65 5/14/12 12:57PM 25°13N, 153°56E small piece of rope

66 5/14/12 12:57PM 25°13N, white circular plastic ring with algae




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153°56E

67 5/14/12 1:00PM 25°13N, 153°56E white circular, 3-inch diameter fragment

68 5/14/12 1:16PM 25°14.40N, 153°54.93E

69 5/14/12 1:20PM 25°14N, 153°54E glass bottle with lid, possible vodka bottle

70 5/14/12 1:20PM 25°14N, 153°54E yellow plastic pill box, 3 tier

71 5/14/12 1:31PM 25°15N, 153°55E small yellow fragments (1.5-inch by 2-inch)

72 5/14/12 1:31PM 25°15N, 153°55E wite triangular piece of plastic

73 5/14/12 1:31PM 25°15N, 153°55E small square styrofoam

74 5/14/12 1:31PM 25°15N, 153°55E

small plastic square, beige 2-inch by 0.5-inch plastic

75 5/14/12 1:31PM 25°15N, 153°55E 1.5-inch square white plastic

76 5/14/12 1:43PM 25°16.66N, 153°51.74E

77 5/14/12 1:43PM 25°16.66N, 153°51.74E alluminum can

78 5/14/12 1:43PM 25°16.66N, 153°51.74E 5-gallon bucket bottom

79 5/14/12 2:02PM 25°17.75N, 153°50.19E 1-inch by 1-inch square white plastic

80 5/14/12 2:02PM 25°17.75N, 153°50.19E softball size piece of plastic

81 5/14/12 2:02PM 25°17.75N, 153°50.19E little styrofoam

82 5/14/12 2:41PM 25°20.67N, 153°46.30E piece of styrofoam

83 5/14/12 2:41PM 25°20.67N, 153°46.30E piece of styrofoam

84 5/14/12 2:41PM 25°20.67N, 153°46.30E plastic bottle

85 5/14/12 2:41PM 25°20.67N, 153°46.30E styrofoam

86 5/14/12 3:00PM 25°22.20N, 153°44.32E white plastic fragment (maybe styrofoam)

87 5/14/12 6:40PM 25°37.63N, 153°21.34E 500ml bottled water

88 5/14/12 6:40PM 25°37.63N, 153°21.34E yellow styrofoam piece

89 5/14/12 6:40PM 25°37.63N, 153°21.34E white styrofoam piece

90 5/14/12 7:09PM 25°39.31N, 153°18.90E blue fishing net float size of baseball

91 5/15/12 6:05AM 26°20.44N, 152°21.00E small black float




Pangaea Exploration

92 5/15/12 6:30AM 26°21.08N, 152°17.82E white piece of plastic

93 5/15/12 9:15AM 26°25.98N, 152°08.18E black fishing buoys tied together with rope

94 5/15/12 9:35AM 26°25.98N, 152°08.18E bottle

95 5/15/12 9:35AM 26°25.98N, 152°08.18E white crate (1-foot by 2-feet)

96 5/15/12 9:35AM 26°25.98N, 152°08.18E 4-inch tube with asian writing

97 5/15/12 11:00AM 26°36.72N, 151°99.40E 500ml water bottle

98 5/15/12 11:00AM 26°36.72N, 151°99.40E laundry detergent bottle plus cap

99 5/15/12 11:30AM 26°39.78N, 151°51.24E large flat white plastic fragment

100 5/15/12 11:30AM 26°39.78N, 151°51.24E small black buoy with hole

101 5/15/12 12:15PM 26°42.58N, 151°47.19E large crate/tray, plastic

102 5/15/12 12:15PM 26°42.58N, 151°47.19E large white plastic fragment

103 5/15/12 3:29PM 26°52.13N, 151°35.92E white fishing float

104 5/15/12 3:40PM 26°53.71N, 151°33.91E plastic basket

105 5/15/12 3:40PM 26°53.71N, 151°33.91E foam package, end cap

106 5/15/12 5:00PM 26°58.90N, 151°28.21E white plastic fragment (3-inch by 2-inch)

107 5/15/12 5:00PM 26°58.90N, 151°28.21E white plastic fragment (3-inch by 2-inch)

108 5/16/12 11:15AM 27°56.63N, 150°03.99E 30-cm float on bamboo pole

109 5/16/12 12:00PM 27°56.63N, 150°03.99E fishing buoy, white

110 5/16/12 12:00PM 27°56.63N, 150°03.99E fishing buoy, white

111 5/16/12 2:00PM 28°12.93N, 149°40.02E black fishing float with barnicles

112 5/16/12 3:15PM 28°17N, 149°34.90E white plastic ring, 6-inch diameter

113 5/16/12 3:30PM 28°19.98N, 149°33.40E yellow cup

114 5/17/12 7:15AM 29°36.22N, 148°10.55E white fragment (12-inch by 24-inch)

115 5/17/12 7:15AM 29°36.22N, 148°10.55E plastic jar, black cap

116 5/17/12 10:15AM 29°49.03N, 148°01.68E white plastic fragment (1-inch by 1-inch)

117 5/17/12 1:25PM 29°53.12N, brown 1-inch plastic




Pangaea Exploration

147°52.98E

118 5/17/12 1:26PM 29°53.18N, 147°91.17E white flip flop

119 5/17/12 1:54PM 29°54.71N, 147°50.80E 1-inch white piece of plastic

120 5/17/12 1:54PM 29°54.71N, 147°50.80E crushed green water bottle

121 5/17/12 2:03PM 29°55.41N, 147°49.84E clear bottle

122 5/17/12 2:18PM 29°56.22N, 147°48.46E 3-inch piece of white plastic

123 5/17/12 3:00PM 29°58.55N, 147°44.22E 4-inch brown plastic film

124 5/18/12 11:30AM 31°44.40N, 145°21.30E black fishing float

125 5/18/12 11:30AM 31°44.40N, 145°21.30E large, white "aspirin" bottle

126 5/18/12 3:00PM 31°55.83N, 145°10.70E orange buoy

127 5/18/12 3:00PM 31°55.83N, 145°10.70E piece of white styrofoam

128 5/18/12 3:03PM 31°55.90N, 145°10.57E 3-feet piece of rope

129 5/19/12 7:00AM 32°47.72N, 144°01.08E large plastic bottle

130 5/19/12 7:45AM 32°48.93N, 143°56.83E orange squid lure

131 5/19/12 8:05AM 32°49.45N, 143°54.34E blue milk crate

132 5/19/12 8:15AM 32°49.60N, 143°53.55E plastic bottle white

133 5/19/12 8:35AM 32°49.95N, 143°51.68E white plastic bag

134 5/19/12 8:40AM 32°50.09N, 143°50.98E white styrofoam chunk (7-inch by 5-inch)

135 5/19/12 9:18AM 32°51.94N, 143°46.77E industrial size condiment jar

136 5/19/12 10:28AM 32°52.59N, 143°45.38E condiment jar, large, white plastic

137 5/19/12 10:30AM 32°52.64N, 143°45.32E plastic or styrofoam cup, large

138 5/19/12 10:35AM 32°52.83N, 143°44.83E clear plastic water bottle



141 5/19/12 10:45AM 32°53.28N, 143°43.77E styrofoam

142 5/19/12 10:45AM 32°53.28N, 143°43.77E styrofoam




Pangaea Exploration

143 5/19/12 10:45AM 32°53.28N, 143°43.77E styrofoam

Documents

2012 Asia Pacific Expedition Report