Across the Pacific

I just got back from sampling the North Pacific Gyre with NOAA. We found visible plastic every day in the manta tows once we had entered the North Pacific High, which is the “Garbage Patch” area. The bridge watch also sighted some interesting floating trash – a lime green suitcase was the most unusual – though we weren’t quick enough to get a photo of it.

Brief daily updates about cruise activities were posted here, along with a fine selection of pretty pictures. And I’m always a big fan of science ship fashion – the combination of orange hardhat/workvest and blue-and-yellow boots is TOTALLY going to be the next big thing. (Though can I get a work vest designed to actually fit female anatomy? Please?)

Manta net towed off the Okeanos Explorer. Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program.

Washing down the manta net dressed in my finest. Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program.