Charles Moore founded Algalita Marine Research Foundation (AMRF) in 1994 to focus on the “coastal ocean", specifically on the restoration of disappearing giant kelp forests and the improvement of water quality through the preservation and re-construction of wetlands along the California coast.
During our celebration of Algalita’s 15th anniversary in 2010, we have participated in voyages to the North Atlantic and Indian Ocean Gyres. We will participate in a voyage to the South Atlantic Gyre later this year and plan to go to the South Pacific in 2011, expanding our research to include all five major gyres worldwide. We are confident our research will lead the way to a new era of consciousness regarding the issue of plastic marine pollution. Part of our current research is focusing on a better understanding of the magnitude of our plastic “footprint”, including the effects of fish ingestion of plastic on human health.