Starting October 2019, an all-female, multidisciplinary team will sail the world's oceans for two years to explore the extent of plastic and toxic materials and to conduct scientific research into the mounting environmental challenges these pollutants pose.

The voyage-cum-scientific mission, conducted by an organisation called 'eXXpedition', will cover over 38,000 nautical miles and 30 voyage legs, and will start and end in the United Kingdom. It will be headed by Emily Penn, eXXpedition Director and Sky Ocean Rescue Ambassador.

The global voyage will comprise 300 women, including scientists, teachers, filmmakers, product designers, photographers and athletes of different ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds. eXXpedition aims to enable the women to experience first hand, the challenges the world faces from single-use plastics, "while contributing to cutting-edge scientific research and solutions based thinking."

"The plastic pollution challenge our ocean faces is a global one and it will take an inspired army of passionate, skilled and experienced people to tackle it," says Penn.

The scientific research vessel being used for 'eXXpedition Round the World' is called Yacht Discovery, and it is equipped with 'a custom-built manta trawl, scientific equipment for collection of samples and data, and plenty of collaborative space', according to the organisation's website. Beginning October 2019, it will traverse global waters via four gyres: North Atlantic, South Pacific, Indian Ocean, and South Atlantic, and the Arctic.

By the Weather Channel India Edit Team. July 10, 2019

###

July 14, 2019

Voices4America Post Script. Another problem the world faces. This group of 300 womenis trying to do something about it. When we face it, we can fight it. Share to highlight the fight! #PlasticPollution #CleanOceans