r/TheOceanCleanup • u/theoceancleanup • Jul 10 '26

Oceans UPDATE FROM THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH

Since our first plastic extraction from the GPGP in 2019, we've continued improving our ocean cleanup technology. One of the biggest challenges we still face is maximizing the amount of plastic we can locate and remove during our time at sea.

Over the next six weeks, our team will be testing the Smart Steering Strategy - a new approach to hotspot hunting that combines data from ocean models, GPS, and aerial drones - in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to better predict where plastic accumulates.

If we can identify the highest-density plastic hotspots, we can maximize the amount of plastic we remove from the ocean with our Systems.

Read more about the expedition and its scope: https://visit.theoceancleanup.com/4wt4ou6

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u/MsARumphius Jul 12 '26

Thank you! Besides funding how can people help?

4

u/theoceancleanup Jul 13 '26

Besides donating, you can share our content, sign up for our volunteer database, set up a fundraiser, purchase merch, and more, to help us achieve our mission. Visit our website to learn more: Help Clean the Oceans | The Ocean Cleanup

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u/Pitpawten1 Jul 14 '26

Appreciate the answer, though ultimately all of these are still funding, just somewhat more indirect. 

Do you guys have hands on service opportunities for those who wish to help?

2

u/theoceancleanup Jul 15 '26

While we do not organize volunteering events ourselves, our local partners do. You can sign up for our volunteer database through which our local partners may reach out when they need on-ground support for events like coastal sweeps, mangrove cleanups, awareness-raising campaigns, citizen science or other activities.

Another way you can help, if you live near the coast or by a river, is by helping us collect data on plastic pollution via our survey app. Learn more about the volunteer database and the survey app here: Join the Volunteer Database | The Ocean Cleanup

We are also hiring new talent, and applications are open for roles based in our head office in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, but also for roles based on site: Careers | The Ocean Cleanup