The Story

In July 2011, Tim Silverwood will embark on a voyage sailing across the Pacific Ocean from Honolulu to Vancouver to undertake important research into plastics in the North Pacific Gyre, otherwise known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The findings will shed light on the global distribution and biological consequences of marine debris.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has been compared to a 'floating plastic soup', it is spread over an area twice the size of France in the North Pacific Ocean. Four oceanic currents converge here, causing floating plastic debris from Asia, North America and the South Pacific to accumulate in a swirling vortex that's rumoured to be doubling in size every ten years. The islands of Hawaii lie in the centre of the Gyre and suffer from massive levels of plastic pollution.

Marine Debris?

Most of the plastic debris in the oceans originally came from the land, approximately 80% of marine debris is blown, rolled or washed out to sea via our beaches, rivers, streams and storm water drains. Once in the oceans, it remains there. Every molecule of plastic that has been created, (unless it's been incinerated) is still in existence. 

Plastic is the most prevalent type of debris found on beaches world wide.  Plastic is cheap, it doesn't biodegrade and can float great distances at sea.  Marine debris in our oceans is reported to be killing approximately 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals each year.  Entanglement and ingestion of plastic are the two most common impacts on our marine life. Tiny plastic fragments rich in toxic chemicals are being consumed by fish stocks and are suspected of entering the human food chain, alarming scientists across the world.

The Documentary

Tim will create a documentary on the experience which will contribute invaluably to raising global awareness of this issue. The film aims to address:

The causes, consequences and extent of marine debris in the worlds oceans; the preparation of the voyage; the trials of sailing across the pacific (Tim is not a sailor...yet); conducting the research in the GPGP; meeting the people and organisations leading global research; visiting sites in Hawaii, Canada, California and Australia where marine debris is harming marine life and the challenges/ successes of educating the public on my return.

Who's Involved?

Tim Silverwood is co-founder of 'Take 3' an Australian based non-profit organisation. In 2009 Tim began thinking about proactive ways in which the public could contribute to reducing the amount of plastic waste entering the oceans. After collaborating with another surfer and a marine biologist, 'Take 3 - A Clean Beach Initiative' was born.  

The Take 3 message is simple: take 3 pieces of rubbish when you leave the beach and you have made a difference. By actively reducing the amount of marine debris in our waterways, the impacts of marine debris on innocent organisms and ecosystems can be reduced.

'Take 3 empowers the general community to be proactive in an achievable way on the issue of marine debris, whilst reminding them to be responsible for the thoughtful disposal of their own rubbish. It will act as a portal to educate the wider community about marine debris and ongoing research/ findings about the harmful effects of plastics in the ocean.

Tim Silverwood is developing a reputation as an active campaigner on key environmental issues. Tim's passion for raising awareness of environmental issues through photography and film is witnessed in his previous documentaries filmed in India, Australia and Thailand.

Who Cares?

A lot of people care! All around the world the topic of marine debris is gaining widespread attention, but that doesn't stop the Garbage Patch from getting bigger everyday. This project aims to get into the lives and living rooms of everyday people, to help them understand that we can act now to minimise plastic pollution.

The academic credibility of this project is supported by tertiary institutions and environmental organisations across Australia.

Your Support.

Your support in funding this project will assist Tim immensely with the production of the film, purchase of critical equipment, technical assistance and distribution of the film. It is envisaged the film will be televised, packaged for sale and made available to schools across Australia and the world to teach our youth of this growing environmental catastrophe. Tim needs to fundraise $9000 for his position on the vessel and the additional costs are growing everyday. In total I am seeking fundraising and sponsiorship totalling $15K minimum to ensure this project is a success.

Please donate today to make this film the most powerful awareness tool it can be.

Other Ways You Can Help

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