Project Kaisei : Rescuing the Pacific from the Plastic invasion

Solving a problem starts with knowing that you have one. Project Kaisei vividly shows how discarded plastics are clogging the ocean, causing a major problem for the planet's vital "blue heart", entangling marinelife and insidiously killing as it accumulates in the food chain, from tiny plankton to great whales. Best of all, the mission highlights hope with ideas for positive action.
--Sylvia Earle, National Geographic, Mission Programs

Kaisei means “ocean planet” in Japanese. Project Kaisei uses the Tall ship Kaisei as the figurehead and focal point in an innovative research expedition designed to figure out the best way to clean up and recycle the plastics which are converging in the Pacific ocean and forming an 8th continent.

Never heard of it? You need to help us. This is a rescue mission designed to save the Pacific by mining plastic.

This 8th Continent has been identified northeast of Hawaii in the Pacific. Sailors and scientists, fishers and individuals have watched with horror, as this new continent comprised of human discards, primarily plastic garbage, has grown and expanded exponentially over the last few years. Also called the plastic vortex, this 8th continent is currently twice the size of Texas and growing. more...

Ocean Voyages Institute