The image above shows the Manta Net during a tow; the image below shows some of the larger debris collected during this afternoon’s Manta Tow, suggesting we have entered the Garbage Patch.

The image above shows the Manta Net during a tow; the image below shows some of the larger debris collected during this afternoon’s Manta Tow, suggesting we have entered the Garbage Patch. Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program. Download larger version (jpg, 376 KB).

Okeanos Explorer Has Entered The “Pacific Garbage Patch”
October 21, 2010

Today’s Manta Net samples suggest that NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer has entered an area referred to as the “Pacific Garbage Patch.” Four Manta Net tows are conducted each day onboard the Okeanos Explorer cruise from Hawaii to San Francisco Bay to sample for plastics. The afternoon and evening samples all revealed relatively large quantities of plastic. Most of the plastic in the “Garbage Patch.” is relatively small – invisible to satellites, and difficult to see with the naked eye. Although watch standers spent hours watching the sea surface today, few items indicated the ship might be in the “Garbage Patch.” Its presence was not apparent until today’s Manta Net samples were brought on board, concentrating debris located in an area the size of an olympic swimming pool into a pint-size container. Large and small bits of plastic filled the container, interspersed with a variety of marine-life. All onboard are curious to see what the days ahead may bring.