All-Female Sailing Expedition and Scientific Research Mission Focused on Plastic Pollution to Set Sail This Summer in the North Pacific

eXXpedition North Pacific 2018 is a pioneering all-female sailing expedition and scientific research mission starting in Hawaii and ending in Seattle via Vancouver this summer led by British skipper and ocean advocate Emily Penn.

With a focus on micro-plastics and links to environmental and human health, eXXpedition North Pacific 2018 aims to make the unseen, seen.

It will see a diverse and international group of 24 women, split over two voyage legs, journey over 3,000 nautical miles through the densest ocean plastic accumulation zone on the planet, the North Pacific Gyre – better known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.The expedition aims to:

North Pacific 2018 is the 10th eXXpedition voyage. It has the endorsement and support of the UN Environment Clean Seas initiative.

Public interest in ocean plastic pollution is at an all time high and the crew want their voyage to put a spotlight on the lesser understood issue of microplastics. During the month long voyage, the crew will make daily trawls for plastics and pollutants, and collect data for a variety of global datasets and scientific research studies.

The eXXpedition crew will be sailing Sea Dragon, a 72ft scientific exploration vessel.

LEG 1: HAWAII TO VANCOUVER
23RD JUNE – 15TH JULY 2018
Sailing to explore and further understand microplastic pollution. A sail into the heart of the North Pacific Gyre for sailing and science. This is expected to be the most dense ocean plastic accumulation zone on the planet.

LEG 2: VANCOUVER TO SEATTLE VIA VANCOUVER ISLAND
21ST – 28TH JULY 2018
Exploring remote coastlines to survey for plastic pollution. We will be coastal hopping to find out how plastic pollution is impacting the shore and communities. This sail will also involve cleanup projects where possible.

A roster of events in each place will be announced closer to the departure.

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