PTMSC hosts lecture on plastics in the Pacific Ocean
Contact: Christina Pivarnik, Marketing
Port Townsend Marine Science Center
360.531.0127 or christina@pivarnik.com or info@ptmsc.org
Swirling out in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean is a giant, circular, surface current comprised of hundreds of tons of plastic. “Fresh from NE Pacific Gyre” will be the topic discussed by Dr. Marcus Eriksen, from the Algalita Marine Research Foundation in Long Beach CA, in a lecture hosted by the Port Townsend Marine Science Center on Saturday, March 29th at 4:15 p.m. in the Natural History Exhibit.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Marcus to Port Townsend,” said Anne Murphy, executive director. “In spring 2007, Marcus visited the PTMSC, training our staff in Algalita’s beach sampling protocols and visiting several of our local schools. We’re thrilled to have him back a year later to deepen our bonds with Algalita and our commitment to plastics education. He’s a passionate and engaging speaker; one that I know the public will enjoy immensely.”
Dr. Eriksen will provide information about his latest trip across the NE Pacific Gyre as a member of the research team from Algalita Marine Research Foundation. As part of their 2008 study, the team replicated a transect series conducted by Algalita’s founder, Captain Charles Moore, in 1999. 2008 marks Captain Moore’s 10th year of studying the NE Pacific Gyre, also know as the Great Garbage Patch.
Ocean gyres are circular currents created by rotating high pressure systems. Nine major ocean gyres around the world have become accumulation zones for plastic debris. Plastics don’t biodegrade and there aren’t naturally occurring organisms that break it down. When plastic debris meets the sea, it can remain for centuries causing untold havoc to fish and marine wildlife.
Dr. Marcus Eriksen, Algalita's Director of Research and Education, has been deeply involved in plastic marine debris issues since rafting down the length of the Mississippi River in 2003 on a boat made from recycled plastic bottles. Marcus has given presentations about marine debris issues to schools and communities all over the country and was gracious in welcoming the PTMSC as a partner in plastics education in 2006.
Admission is $7 and $5 for PTMSC members. The lecture is sponsored by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is devoted to understanding, preserving and teaching about our marine and shoreline environment as guardians for a sustainable future. Located on the beach at Fort Worden State Park, the PTMSC offers two public exhibits: the Marine Exhibit (ME) features large touch pools and aquaria, and the Natural History Exhibit (NHE) highlights the rich zone where land meets sea. The NHE is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and the ME is open by appointment only. Admission to the NHE is $3 for adults, $2 for youth and free to PTMSC members. The PTMSC also offers a wide variety of educational programs and special events. For more information, call 360.385.5582, e-mail info@ptmsc.org or visit www.ptmsc.org.
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