Introducing the crew

Me, freelance journalist taking photos and audio of the trip, early bird and knot-master

By mid-afternoon yesterday, I’d met the entire crew. Bill and Bonnie, a couple who split their time between North Carolina and California, flew in and we headed to NOAA to meet Carey Morishige who’s in charge of the debris recovery program. Afterward we returned to the ship, unpacked and then went out for dinner to celebrate our first night together. It’s a laid-back and amiable group, everyone willing to help out and make the journey run smoothly. So without further ado, here’s the crew!

Captain Charles Moore, founder of Algalita, the director of our ship and as you can see, a self-proclaimed tree hugger

First Mate Jeffrey Ernst, University of Hawaii (Hilo) Marine Science grad, Jeff spends his time manning the deck and sleeping in a hammock on the stern at night

Gwen Lattin, Director of Laboratory Research for Algalita, Gwen will be analyzing fish tissue samples (pending funding) from fish caught at sea with stomaches full of trash

Bill Cooper, Director of Urban Water Research Center, U.C. Irvine, sailing pro, former Army Captain, dedicated optimist

Bonnie Monteleone, University of North Carolina (Wilmington) Liberal Arts graduate student, videographer and blogger extrordinaire