Coming Soon ⏳
2027 U.S. High Seas to Sanctuaries Expedition
In January 2027, Plastic Odyssey plans to sail to New York for the first Ocean COP under the High Seas Treaty. From there, the vessel would launch a U.S. coast-to-coast expedition, linking global policy to plastic-impacted ecosystems. Stopovers under consideration include Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Hawaii, French Polynesia, and West Coast cities. The journey will combine policy engagement, field action, and dialogue on environmental justice. By bridging science and frontline action, it aims to strengthen Plastic Odyssey’s partnerships across the United States.
From global ocean governance to frontline action
In January 2027, Plastic Odyssey plans to bring its vessel to New York City to coincide with the first Ocean COP under the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), commonly known as the High Seas Treaty.
This moment marks a turning point for ocean governance, translating international commitments into concrete action at sea.
A U.S. coast-to-coast ocean journey
From New York, the expedition would continue across the Atlantic and Pacific, linking policy discussions with some of the most plastic-impacted marine ecosystems.
Potential regions and stopovers under consideration include:
- Boston: A major hub for marine science, research institutions, and ocean policy.
- Miami: At the frontline of coastal pollution, climate impacts, and marine biodiversity in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
- New Orleans: A critical stop to engage with coastal communities along the Mississippi Delta and Cancer Alley, linking plastic pollution, industrial contamination, and environmental justice.
- Hawaii and Midway Atoll: Midway Atoll is one of the most plastic-impacted marine sanctuaries on Earth, where debris transported across the Pacific threatens seabirds and marine life.
- French Polynesia: A key region connecting Pacific biodiversity hotspots and global plastic accumulation pathways.
- U.S. West Coast cities: Potential stopovers in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle to engage ports, scientists, policymakers, and the public.
Bridging policy, science, justice and ocean action
This prospective expedition would combine:
- High-level engagement around the Ocean COP and the High Seas Treaty
- Targeted field action, including cleanup and research in sensitive sites
- Dialogue on environmental justice and industrial pollution
- Public outreach and education across the United States
- Collaboration with scientists, institutions, and local partners
It represents a major step in strengthening Plastic Odyssey’s visibility and partnerships in the United States.
Get involved
The route, partners, and scope of this expedition are currently under study.
If you are a scientist, policymaker, partner organization, port city, or supporter interested in participating or learning more, we would love to hear from you.
Contact us to explore collaboration opportunities.
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Plastic Odyssey Fund is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (EIN: 99-4899981). Contributions are tax-deductible for U.S. donors and support programs in the U.S. and abroad through affiliated Plastic Odyssey entities, in accordance with U.S. nonprofit law.