Two ships have set off from California this week on an expedition to the 'plastic vortex' to assess the impact of rubbish on the Pacific and its marine life.
The 'plastic vortex' is also colloquially known as the 'great pacific garbage patch' as the ocean currents of the North Pacific Gyre deposit large amounts of plastic and rubbish in an area of sea that is twice the size of Texas.
Marine scientists on board the two ships, Kaisei and New Horizon, will study the types and quantity of marine debris, the impact this has on the ocean and marine life, and look at ways of cleaning up and recycling the rubbish. Project Kaisei also aims to raise awareness of the flow of refuse into the ocean.
Much of the plastic has broken down into tiny particles that can be toxic to marine life and can enter the food chain. It's estimated that 60 per cent of plastics and waste in the sea comes from land.
The plastic vortex lies between California and Hawaii, but moves and varies in size depending on season and weather.
