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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20 - Consideration of Ban on Plastic BagsNEWPORT •• REACH City Council Staff Report Agenda Item No. 20 October 11. 2011 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: City Manager's Office Dave Kiff, City Manager 949- 644 -3001, dkiff @newportbeachca.gov PREPARED BY: Dave Kiff, City Manager APPROVED: - h p, t TITLE: Additional Direction — Ban on Plastic Bags ABSTRACT: From time to time, staff asks the City Council in a public setting to determine whether staff and /or City committees should spend time and resources researching or developing specific policy issues. This helps ensure that resources are not wasted on an item that City Council may not ultimately agree with nor adopt. RECOMMENDATION: Offer specific direction to staff in this area: 1. Should the Environmental Quality Affairs Committee (EQAC) pursue developing a municipal code change that would ban the use of plastic bags in Newport Beach? FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: There is no fiscal impact related to this specific decision item, but depending on the direction Council takes, some expense can be incurred to research and staff specific issues. DISCUSSION: This item recurs on an intermittent basis. It's an attempt to minimize any waste of staff or volunteer time and resources in a direction that might not be in line with the desires of Additional Direction — Ban on Plastic Bags October 11, 2011 Page 2 the City Council. In the spirit of those limited resources, I do not take the time to spell out the nuances of the issues about which we seek guidance. If readers have a specific interest in any one of the issues shown in the Recommendation, they should attend the Council meeting and participate in the discussion as a part of public comments about this item. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ( "CEQA ") pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. NOTICING: The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item). Submitted by: a Dave Kiff City Manager A prominent seafaring environmentalist and researcher shares his maritime encounters with the shocking amount of plastic debris in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, now commonly referred to as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. "A hero ... Ao-. Ahn�n �, d,. 6ngw•ti.n m hma ���w.d,.,,,��, awwific rcxvnfi „i mmphnp,ha Pdmp. fwd.: How a Sea Captain's Chance Discovery Launched a Determined Quest to Save the Oceans PLASTIC OCEAN CAPT. CHARLES MOORE „„h __ C %%'' \uR.A rruLurs Follow his research into this startling discovery, his hard -won scientific credibility, and his indomitable, game- changing efforts to get the world to pay attention to a looming plastic peril. PLASTIC OCEAN inspires a fundamental rethinking of the plastic age and a growing global health crisis. Pre Order your signed copy today at www.algalita.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Zan Dubin Scott (310) 383 -0956 Crew Seats Available on 2012 Research Voyage to Investigate Plastic Pollution and Debris from the March 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami LOS ANGELES, Calif., Oct. 5, 2011 — Scientists, educators and eco- adventurers are being offered the unprecedented opportunity to join a research expedition through the North Pacific Ocean littered with debris generated by the Japan tsunami of March 11, 2011. Rarely is such a monumental amount of material —tens of thousands of tons including cars, entire homes and boats — simultaneously thrust into the sea from a single location. The 5 Gyres Institute and the Algalita Marine Research Foundation (Algalita) have organized this expedition in collaboration with Pangaea Explorations to offer a 7,000 -mile, high -seas voyage aboard the Sea Dragon sailing vessel from May 1 through July 1, 2012. The expedition's first leg will sail from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands through the area of the North Pacific Gyre commonly referred to as the "Western Garbage Patch" where little research has been conducted on plastic pollution. The trip's second leg will travel due east from Japan to Hawaii through the gyre, a vast vortex of ocean currents where plastic debris accumulates, to cross the "Japan Tsunami Debris Field." Of great interest to the researchers is how fast the plastic trash is traveling across the gyre, how quickly or slowly it is decomposing, how rapidly marine life is colonizing on it, and whether it is transporting invasive species. "We'll be riding the same currents that are transporting cigarette lighters, bottle caps, children's toys and all manner of other plastic pollution generated by the tsunami," said expedition leader Marcus Eriksen, Executive Director and co- founder of the 5 Gyres Institute. The 2012 voyage is open to anyone 18 -years and older, regardless of sailing experience. Participants will travel with four professional crewmembers and will be expected to earn their sea legs and rough hands by hauling in lines and hoisting sails. They also will conduct research side -by -side with scientists, whether operating a trawl or collecting and cataloging plastic marine pollution and sea life. Nine crew seats are available at a cost of $13,500 each for Leg 1 and $15,500 each for Leg 2. A portion of the fare is tax deductible and net proceeds will support Algalita and 5 Gyres' cooperative research and educational outreach. This is the second eco- adventure conducted by Algalita. Its July 2011 voyage across the eastern North Pacific Gyre sold out. 5 Gyres has conducted 7 eco- adventures across the five subtropical gyres, including the first expeditions to the three southern hemisphere gyres. Crewmembers included scientists, artists, journalists and environmentalists from around the world, such as Tim Silverwood of New South Wales. "After first hearing of the devastating state of the North Pacific Gyre, I immediately had a desire to witness it for myself and tell the world about it," Silverwood said. "Participating in leading scientific research with people from all over the world, all motivated to bring this issue to the mainstream, was incredible. The voyage has provided me so many opportunities to talk with media in the community and to schools about the issue and what we need to do to counter this problem." "Our vision is a global environment that is healthy, sustainable, and productive for all living creatures, free from plastic pollution," says Algalita Executive Director, Marieta Francis. "Understanding the impact of the Japan tsunami resultant debris will provide once -in -a- lifetime information to help us move closer to that vision." Algalita and 5 Gyres, both nonprofit organizations, have been leaders in pioneering research and increasing global awareness of plastic marine pollution. Algalita's founder, Captain Charles Moore, brought attention to the "Eastern Garbage Patch" in the North Pacific Gyre in 1999. 5 Gyres continues to monitor plastic marine pollution in the "garbage patches" found in all five subtropical gyres. Most of the plastic debris studied has been adrift for years, much of it broken down by the sun's rays and ocean currents into small plastic particles. For all participation requirements, sponsorship opportunities and to register, contact Jeanne Gallagher: (562) 598 -4889; opsadmin(Walgalita.org. About 5 Gyres Institute: 5 Gyres Institute is a nonprofit organization committed to meaningful change through research, education and community action. 5 Gyres disseminates its findings through lectures, publications and traveling exhibits, and raises awareness about plastic marine pollution through sailing expeditions across the world's oceans. For information on upcoming expeditions and exhibitions around the globe: (323) 395 -1843; info @5Gyres.org. About Alaalita Marine Research Foundation: The Algalita Marine Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Long Beach, CA, is dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its watersheds through research, education, and restoration. Algalita conducts research and collaborative studies on the distribution, abundance and fate of marine plastic pollution and the potential harmful effects of plastics in the marine environment, including transference of toxins and their impact on human health; provides authoritative, educational findings to scientists, the general public, governmental agencies, and the private sector; collaborates with organizations working toward restoring the aquatic environment and ultimately eliminating plastic pollution. More information: (562) 598 -4889; www.algalita.org. About Pangaea Explorations: Pangaea Explorations offers adventure sailing to actively strengthen the health of marine life through exploration, conservation and education work. Our mission is to inspire and develop a new generation of leaders in conservation science, communication, education, art and policy leadership. More information: www.panexplore.com. TAIRA OCEANS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Marieta Francis, 562.598.4889, marietano algalita.org Media Contact: Eloise Fontaine 00 33 142013857 eloise @taraexpeditions.org STUDY REVEALS WIDESPREAD PLASTIC DISTRIBUTION IN ANTARCTIC WATERS Report released as research vessel arrives in Hawaii during 3 -year study LONG BEACH, California, September 19, 2011 — Scientists from the Algalita Marine Research Foundation (Long Beach, California), in cooperation with the TARA Foundation, report findings of plastic pollution in Antarctic waters. During a 2011 segment of a three year circumnavigation voyage by the vessel TARA, every sample taken from the Antarctic Ocean contained plastic with the count between 956 and 42,826 pieces per kilometer squared at each of the stations. These samples were collected at or near the ocean's surface and show that plastic pollution has found its way to the most remote parts of the globe. The full effects wrought by this pollution continue to be investigated and include the study of marine birds, mammals, and fish that ingest small bits of plastic and /or get entangled in large pieces, as well as the relationship between plastics and the marine microbes that colonize them. Additional analysis is being conducted to understand human health risks associated with these plastics, plastic additives (e.g., BPA), and toxins that sorb to the plastics (e.g., DDT), as they enter the food web. As exploration continues in the Antarctic, South Pacific, and other oceans, reports of the distribution and accumulation of plastic will be prepared by the Algalita Marine Research Foundation research team and made available for review. To measure the quantity of plastic in waters explored during the Tara Oceans expedition, the Algalita Marine Research Foundation proposed a unique scientific protocol first used aboard Tara in Antarctica during January 2011. Since then, at every sampling station throughout the expedition, a special surface net is lowered into the water for an hour and a half to collect particles of plastic. These samples are then analyzed by Algalita Marine Research Foundation. Tara Oceans is a unique 3 -year marine research expedition (September 2009 to March 2012) based on a 118 -foot schooner. Participants include several American university marine research -more- ALGALITA MRF Page 2 programs, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, and other U.S.based organizations. Tara operates under the auspices of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The vessel is a floating research platform directed by Dr. Eric Karsenti and Etienne Bourgois. Its principal objectives are to enable scientists to study little known aspects of ocean ecosystems including planktonic life and the effect of global warming on this fundamental element of the marine food chain. Also studied are the effects of global warming on coral reefs and the marine life dependent upon them. Tara will stop -over in Honolulu (September 19`", 2011), San Diego (October 27`", 2011) and New York (February 2012). Throughout the rest of the expedition, the boat will continue measuring plastic in the ocean, notably in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where plastic sampling will be combined with biological investigations. Both genomic and biogeochemical techniques will be used to characterize the microbial communities that colonize and live on the plastic debris, to draw some of the first impressions of this microbe - plastic relationship. NOTE: Copies of the research are available upon request. READ MORE - For additional information about Algalita Marine Research Foundation, Captain Charles Moore, and to learn more about our mission, outreach programs, and research projects, please visit www.algalita.org or call 562.598.4889. To learn more about Tara Foundation, please visit www.taraexpedtions.org Algalita Marine Research Foundation - 148 N. Marina Drive Long Beach, CA 90803 562 - 598 -4889 fax - 562- 598 -0712 www.algalita.org Algalita Marine Research Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation JL �o FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Marieta Francis, 562.598.4889, marieta(a).a [gal ita.org STUDY REVEALS WIDESPREAD PLASTIC INGESTION BY FISH Report released as international youth arrive in Long Beach, CA, for training on how to create action, solve plastic pollution issues in their cities, villages LONG BEACH, Calif., March 11, 2011 — New research unveiled publicly today indicates possible widespread ingestion of plastic by fish In the world's oceans, a finding that could prove troubling to the marine food chain and the world's commercial fisheries. The Algalita Marine Research Foundation of Long Beach, which discovered what is now known as the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch," found that 35 percent of the fish it tested on a trip to the Pacific had ingested small pieces of plastic that it had mistaken for plankton and other natural food sources. The analyzed fish are considered the "feeder" fish in the ocean food chain, indicating that possibly larger fish and marine life are ingesting plastic by consuming these smaller fish. "This is alarming both because of how many fish with plastic particles we found, and because of what we don't know. What we don't know is whether plastic — and the multitude of chemicals within plastic — remains in the food chain that ultimately ends up on our plates," said Bill Francis, Algalita president. "Our research comes out at a time when more and more scientific studies are indicating bigger problems with plastic and the leaching of toxic chemicals." The research was unveiled Friday at the kickoff of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation 2011 "Plastics Are Forever International Youth Summit" in Long Beach, Calif. Representing 12 countries, more than 100 selected students and their advisors are being immersed in a comprehensive educational program designed to engage, mentor, and activate these young leaders as they develop and launch action - oriented solutions to reduce plastic waste in their home communities. During Friday's news conference, Long Beach Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal called on the world's mayors and community leaders to take aggressive steps to stem the flow of plastic into the environment. "Sadly, the ocean has become the world's dumping ground and it must stop," Dr. Lowenthal said, adding that Long Beach spends about $2 million a year to clean up the piles of plastic and trash flowing into its harbor and onto beaches after storms. "I am very encouraged by the youth of our world to take action, but we all must take steps. Cities, towns, villages and communities in all countries must contain plastic and keep it from entering our environment. Plastic pollution is harmful to our health and our pocketbooks." -more- ALGALITA MRF Page 2 Algalita's latest study is among a body of research being conducted by the Foundation to determine the extent of plastic pollution in the world's oceans. "The simple fact is this: Tons of plastic are floating in our oceans," said Capt. Charles Moore, Algalita's founder and lead researcher. "it breaks down into smaller pieces and these pieces do not go away. Now, we are finding that these plastic bits are mistaken by fish and bird for food. I wish I could tell you that the outlook for plastic pollution is improving - but it's not." Algalita's latest research will be formally presented to a large gathering of scientists at the "Marine Debris Conference' organized by the United Nations and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The conference will be held March 20 -25 in Hawaii. Also participating in today's news conference were some of the student teams selected to attend the Summit. The winning entries were chosen from among a group of 74 teams representing 18 countries. The Summit's focus is on plastic pollution in the marine environment, but some participating students are also dealing with the negative impacts of plastic pollution on inland animals and wildlife, such as in Kenya and India. The Summit will be broadcast around the world via a live webcast. The Summit, which concludes Sunday, features a range of experts, led by such notable environmentalists as Wallace "J" Nichols and Ed Begley Jr., giving teenagers more information about plastic pollution as well as skills and training in leadership, public speaking, and communications. Summit programs include "Putting Dreams into Action," "Don't be a Boring Scientist," and how to pitch a project to stakeholders and fund - raisers. Also attending today's news conference were representatives from the Summit's two major sponsors: The Disney Company "Friends for Change /Project Green" program and, Boeing Company. More details about the teams and the Youth Summit can be found at: www.plasticsareforever.org NOTE: Copies of the research are available upon request. B roll and photos are available for download at: http: / /www.algalita.org /media - center /ysm/ Login: ysm. Password: media READ MoRE -For additional information about Algalita Marine Research Foundation, Captain Charles Moore, and to learn more about our mission, outreach programs, and research projects, please visit www.algalita.org or call 562.598.4889. Algalita Marine Research Foundation - 148 N. Marina Drive - Long Beach, CA 90803 562 - 5984889 fax- 562 - 598 -0712 w .algalita.org Algalita Marine Research Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation II� o�a MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Where and what. is the "Great Pacific Garbaee, Patch? The "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" is an area of high concentration of debris in the northeastern corner of the vortex, or center, of North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. It is also known as the "Eastern Pacific Garbage Patch" because it is theorized there is another "Garbage Patch" on the western side of the Gyre. It is not a "patch" or a floating "island" of debris, but it is actually a "plastic soup" where the plastic is distributed throughout the water column. The eastern area of the vortex is characterized by relatively consistent high pressure and little wind becoming a convergent area or accumulation zone. Algalita's first study area in this corner of the vortex, which showed high concentrations of plastic in the surface (Manta) samples, was roughly the size of Texas. As the area of study expanded, so did the size of "Garbage Patch" to roughly twice the size of Texas. 2. 'by aren't there anysatellite photos of the "Garbage Patch?" When seen from above plastic appears as confetti on the ocean's surface, among an occasional piece of derelict fishing gear. Many of the pieces of plastic are not seen because of the fluid dynamics of the ocean, stirring the plastic just below the surface by the wave action created by the wind and currents. Some of the floating plastic becomes fouled by plant growth or organisms attaching to it, which make it sink below the surface. Certain types of plastics are heavier than the water and sink or to the ocean floor. This cannot be captured in satellite photos. 3. Where is all the plastic comino from ? It is estimated that land-based sources are responsible for up to 80% of marine debris. About 65 % of this, or essentially half of all found in the ocean, comes from consumer used plastics that have not been disposed of properly. These non point (diffuse) sources include trash that comes from further inland, carelessly discarded and carried by the wind and/ or down streams and rivers flowing into the sea. Heavy storms can contribute to the immense volume of debris via flood or swift moving water. Additionally both intentional and unintentional plastic debris "lost" in the ocean by cargo and passenger ships and the fishing industry compounds the problem. Land based point sources include plastic manufacturers and fabricators who inadvertently spill "nurdles" that ultimately find their way to the oceans. A "nurdle" is a preproduction plastic pellet. They are chemically produced in a few facilities and then shipped to processors where they are melted and shaped into many types of consumer products, such as toothbrushes, and non consumer products, such as handles for crates or packaging materials. March 2010 4. What types of plastic are causing the problem? The majority of our samples collected in the water column at one, ten, thirty, and one hundred meter depths, contain primarily low-density polyethylene, expanded styrene (Styrofoam), polypropylene, and PET (polyethylene terephthalate). There are others, but these are the most predominant. 5. Howlone does it take plastic to break down? No one can say with certainty how long plastics will last in the environment. Depending on the type of plastic, its size and shape, its method of manufacture, the length of time to degrade can be hundreds of years or longer. So many factors are at play, such as temperature, amount of sunlight, water chemistry, agitation, and the surface area of the material, each situation is different. What degrades in a landfill or a municipal waste treatment plant digester does not necessarily degrade in the ocean. In any case, some of the plastic that currently exists in the ocean appears to have been there for decades. One euphemism stated by some is "That plastic, like diamonds, is forever." 6. What is the difference between photo degradation and bio degradation? Photo degradation refers to the action of ultraviolet radiation and solar heat on plastic. In the absence of special additives (many plastics contain UV filters specifically designed to resist this natural process), the plastic weakens and breaks into pieces. This is a physical change, not a chemical one. Bio degradation occurs when living organisms transform the chemical bonds of the plastic. In current scientific understanding, biodegradation plays a very limited role in the environmental fate of plastics. While there have been preliminary, isolated reports of specific terrestrial microorganisms that can "digest" certain types of plastic, in general.... plastic is NOT "digestible ". 7. What effect is plastic having on marine life? Large pieces of plastic can kill by entrapment, suffocation and drowning. Smaller pieces can be ingested, causing choking or intestinal blockage. In some cases, starvation occurs because the plastic makes the animal feel full without having had any nourishment. Plastic consumed by marine life appears to either pass through the digestive tract intact, if it is small enough, or remains in the animal, blocking the intestinal tract, causing death. When the animal dies, the plastic is either released to be eaten again, or it is swallowed by a predator eating the plastic-ridden prey. In the case of seabirds, many of them simply perish on shore with their stomach contents eventually being the only thing to remain. March 2010 Accumulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) on plastic, and the resulting effects on marine life when this plastic is ingested is a topic of much discussion in the scientific community. The term POP (persistent organic pollutant) is a description of organic materials which do not completely dissolve in water and do not degrade into harmless materials in a relatively short amount of time. Examples include PCB's (polychlorinated biphenyls) and other materials that resist degradation. Many POPs are proven carcinogens. Other POPS contribute to other problems with marine life, such as reproductive issues due to hormone disruption. Recent conferences (2008) attended by various groups indicate the need for much more research to be done in this area. 8. Are there solutions? There are many ways to help alleviate the problem of plastic accumulation in the world's oceans. We need to DO NO MORE HARM, and stop the flow of waste into our marine environment. Some ways to help: A. Reconsider the use of plastic products. Can an alternate material, such as paper, glass or aluminum allow the product to serve the same purpose? B. Try not to use "single use" products made of plastic, such as water bottles and plastic bags. Stainless steel water bottles are a reusable alternative, for example. C. Recycle all materials properly. Turn waste into a resource. Some creative products are now being made from recycled plastics. D. Reuse materials wherever possible. E. Encourage more investigation and research into alternate materials, such as compostable, or biodegradable plastics. Much discussion has been conducted concerning biodegradable and compostable plastics. It is difficult to make a blanket statement about compostable and biodegradable plastics. The technology is changing rapidly... new products are being introduced regularly. Some plastics compost only under certain conditions, such as a specific temperature; pressure; moisture and presence of particular species of microorganisms, etc. These will not necessarily be achieved in the marine environment. There are others that show promise, but even when products do biodegrade, the question remains about the toxicity of the additives. F. Support closed-loop manufacturing processes that capture waste, and reuse it as a raw material. No one solution is the answer, and there are many more ideas yet to come that will generate a whole new set of solutions. We believe human creativity, changes in habits, and technological developments will eventually result in our oceans being clean again. March 2010 9. Can't we clean up the plastic in the Gyre? To clean the Gyre poses a whole new set of issues and obstacles, therefore we feel the present focus should be on preventing further accumulation of polluting materials in the oceans. Think of how difficult it would be to gather confetti from along a stretch of beach. Now imagine the area you are trying to clean is not only miles long, but also miles deep. Plastic debris occurs throughout the water column...... some of it floats, some swirls below the surface at various depths and some has already sunk to the sea floor. All the while, more and more trash is entering the area. While some of the plastic debris is large enough to be scooped out, much of it consists of tiny fragments. Although cleaning the ocean today appears to be impractical, we embrace the creativity of those trying to solve this problem. Some of these new ideas may not only help clean up the ocean, but be applicable to the waterways entering the ocean, or be appropriate to use further up the watershed. It seems more practical to not only use some of these new ideas to help clean the ocean, but to adapt them to the waterways entering the ocean from further up the watershed, thus preventing further accumulation downstream. 10. How does this affect me? Is my health at risk? There is more research needed in this area. There are questions about exactly how plastic pollution transfers pollutants associated with that plastic into the marine environment. Not enough is known about what toxins accumulate. We are not sure how much plastic is ingested by fish, for example, and what affects the pollutants have on fish, and the entire food chain. We are fearful that toxins absorbed by fish through the ingestion of plastic is already beginning to rise within the food chain, and more research on that topic is needed. 11. What are the next steps on Algalfta's Agenda? Priorities for our land-based researchers include an ongoing project examining the role of plastics in transporting POPs. Biologists with AMRF are currently studying fish from the Pacific Ocean to determine the type and amount of plastic ingested and analyze both the fish and plastics consumed for contaminants. We are analyzing samples of Albatross (by-catch of the fishing industry) from the Pacific for plastic consumption and contamination. Additional work is yet to be done on the characterization of trawl samples from previous Pacific Gyre voyages, as well as future Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Ocean voyages. Another project planned will examine the presence of plastic in coastal sediments, and potential contaminants associated with those samples. Algalita Marine Research Foundation 148 N Marina Drive, Long Beach, CA 90803 Please refer to our Research Page for more information. www.algalita.org Algalita Marine Research Foundation ( Algalita) is dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its watersheds through research, education and restoration. We focus on the issue of plastic pollution and its effects on the marine ecosystem and potential risks to human health. Our goal is to develop a clear understanding of the impacts of plastic debris. We seek to educate the public about the value and vulnerabilities of our oceans and how our individual actions influence the entire marine ecosystem and, ultimately, the health of our planet and ourselves. More . '1f -� information can be found on our website www.algalita.org low WHO WE SERVE The health of the marine environment is an international issue that everyone should be concerned about. The oceans cover more than 70% of the earth's surface and its health is important to all of us whether we live on the coast or far inland. The oceans regulate our climate, provide us with food to eat, water to drink, and oxygen to breathe. The oceans also drive the financial well -being of almost all of the world's economies through transportation of goods, real estate, recreation, tourism and ocean - related occupations. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Contamination of the world's oceans by plastic marine debris is a growing prob- lem. Plastic marine debris can injure coral reefs and bottom dwelling species and entangle or drown ocean wildlife. Some species ingest plastic, potentially causing choking or starvation. Plastic frequently tangles boat propellers and can clog seawater intakes. OUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Our scientific research objective is to understand the scope and impact of plastic debris in the global marine ecosystem and potential effects on human health by. . Characterizing the distribution, degradation, and fate of plastic debris in coastal, benthic (surface of ocean floor) and pelagic (open ocean) marine environments; • Understanding the impact of plastic debris ingestion on marine organisms (reproductive rates, growth, etc.) and any subsequent impact on populations; • Understanding the absorption/adsorption of various types of plastics and the possible transference of toxic contaminants to marine life; and • Determine if the transfer of toxic contaminants to marine life has short- and long -term implications for human health. (0mr) OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS Algalita's education objective is to provide information in a compelling manner that connects with students, teachers, and the public at large. We have developed a comprehensive science -based education program that includes formal classroom curricula as well as exciting and innovative hands -on programs for students such as Ship -2 -Shore and the DI_. re Foreoerinternational Youth Sarnrn %t. We conduct in- school presentations and provide a variety of educational materials designed to engage students in activities that encourage them to learn more about the marine ecosystem and think about their impact on the environmenL Curricula developed over the last rive years by Algalita are in confor- mance with California Science Standards. CHALLENGES AHEAD Creating awareness of the problem of plastic marine pollution and engen- dering a sense of responsibility are the first steps toward a long -term solution. The worldwide nature of plastic pollution demands a worldwide strategy to inform and motivate people to change behavior and make bet- ter decisions. Regional differences in culture, economic development, and technical capability add another extremely complex level to determining potential solutions. Teamwork and focus on the mission will lead to success. WHAT YOU CAN DO ............................................................................................................ ............................... Join with others who share your concern for our oceans by donating today and help support the work we do to restore the health of our oceans. Algalita does not receive government funding, so every dollar you donate makes a difference! ■ Become a Member or renew your Membership! Make a tax - deductible Donation • Give a Memorial or Tribute Donation in honor or in memory of someone or to commemorate a special occasion • Become a Research or Education Partner with a monthly gift • Volunteer (office or laboratory assistant) D(SCIARIER: In keeping with its mission, 1lgalita does not take a position of advocacy for specific legislative efforts relating to the manufacture or useofproductsniatare(mown,orrr� algid by our research, to affect die well being of the world's waterways, oceans and marine life. Asaresearch foundation, however, we are dedicatc;l to sharing our data with polirymakers, the scientific community and the public, ilwidng them to work together in searching for solutions to ensure a healthy marine environment. 148 N. Marina Dr., Long Beach, CA 90803 ■ 562.598.4889 ■ www.algailta.org Alga'lta is a 501 . 7 tic [ 0 3an¢a -' Tax IDF 33- 0c�72P2 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION .............. ............................... pp�� .."^' Algalita's International Youth Summit engages students rLAS t TV� 1V �[_/-ii V and educators from across the United States and around the POLLUTION SOLUTIONS world in action - oriented, solutions -based education about plastic marine pollution. This exciting Summit involves students in hands -on activities and projects that strengthen student leadership and speaking skills, promote environmental awareness, support educational curricula and spark local action. More information about this program can be found on our website www.algalitayouthsummit.org WHO WE SERVE Algalita Marine Research Foundation ( Algalita) is dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its watersheds through research, education and restoration. We focus on the issue of plastic pollution and its effects on the marine ecosystem and potential risks to human health. Our goal is to develop a clear understanding of the impacts of plastic debris. We seek to educate the public about the value and vulnerabilities of our oceans and how our individual actions influence the entire marine ecosystem and, ultimately, the health of our planet and ourselves. More information can be found on our website www.algalita.org ....................................................................................................... ............................... Algalita works with students and teachers throughout the world to foster a greater appreciation of the marine environment, as well as an understanding of how plastic pollution effects marine life. The Summit's objectives are to educate, motivate, and empower by engaging, mentoring, and overseeing youth leaders in launching action campaigns to reduce plastic waste in their own communities. Educate %Pb66 o Giving students the information, tools and skills they need to become leaders in their communities. . Providing teachers with improved curriculum and educational tools to teach students about issues related to plastic waste. i. 01 0 Motivate a Involving students in hands -on projects with measurable outcomes that lead to plastic waste reduction in their own communities. ■ Inspiring local, national and international youth to continue seeking ways to reduce plastic waste in their own neighborhoods. Empower . Preparing students to deliver presentations to community outlets such as a town councils, other schools, and local organizations. . Growing and strengthening a peer network of youth leaders throughout the world committed to positive change. (over) 2011 YOUTH SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS .................. ............................... ...... ........_ ■ During the inaugural 2011 Summit, more than 100 students, 30 academic advisors, and 50 speakers and guests gathered in Long Beach, California. Student teams and their advisors represented 12 countries, including the Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Guam, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zambia. From the U.S., students and teachers traveled from throughout California, as well as Illinois, Indiana, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and South Carolina to attend in person. ■ Via webinar, participants represented 27 countries, including countries as faraway as Brazil, Fiji, Israel, Morocco, Netherlands Antilles, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Uruguay. . Creating awareness of the problem of plastic marine pollution and engendering a sense of responsibility are the first steps toward a long -term solution. Algalita's objective is to provide information in a compelling manner that connects with students, teachers, and the public at large. l■ O` +e U n. 2011 YOUTH SUMMIT RESULTS & IMPACT ■ A team of junior high school students from The Pegasus School in Huntington Beach, California presented their project on local Styrofoam® pollution to the City Council. The council members were so impressed with the findings that they moved to ban Styrofoam@ products from council cham- bers and asked the team to come back for a commendation for their efforts to reduce plastic waste. a Students from the International School of Lusaka in Zambia wrote and produced a music video for their original song "Change the World" and invited students from other schools to be part of the production. The song and video caught the attention of influential leaders in their country and has brought the topic of plasticpollution to the forefront of environmental conversations. . The four - member Gaia team from Canada staged an impromptu per- formance, commonly known as a "flash -mob,' in their school cafeteria. The purpose was to inform and educate their classmates about plastic pollution using the posters and signs they had created during the Summit. WHAT'S NEXT Algalita is excited to host a 2012 Youth Summit in the U.S. and internationally in the years to follow. We also aim to expand program offerings to include regional and focused youth leadership trainings and professional development for educators. We are seeking sponsors to help us reach our goal of $250,000. DISCLUMER: In kerpiny t,4h its missn,n aj"itt dons alt take a po .ion do )( I .')I t . ff r k, 1 1, 111 , . or ,se of products that are knnssm, or revealed by our reseann, to ai I Irc .Ill eil .f e -9's i -c rf r ;n h foiildatian, however, we are dedicated to shniat our data xtthr If- iaNer tscm' 't' it:, 1, '01 0 I i.0 'I I r in srarchnrg for solutions to ensure a heallht ma.- ir. miromue . 148 N. Marina Dr., Long Bcach, CA 90803 ■ 562.598.4 ^P9 ■ www. alga lita. org