The SEAPLEX Project
Scripps Environmental Accululation of Plastic Expedition (SEAPLEX)
Researching the accumulation of plastics in the North Pacific Gyre
Several CCE LTER students took part in the SEAPLEX expedition from August 2nd - 21st, 2009 aboard the Scripps research vessel
New Horizon. This graduate student-initiated cruise investigated the accumulation of plastics in the North Pacific Gyre and
its potential to affect marine ecosystems. SEAPLEX participants include SIO graduate students, graduate students from other
institutions, faculty, the non-profit organization Project Kaisei, volunteers, and a local teacher. Research focuses on a suite
of critical scientific questions. How much plastic is accumulating, how is it distributed, and how is it impacting ocean life?
Follow the expedition
website and
blog and get involved!
