5 Gyres

The 5 Gyres Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching and addressing plastic pollution in the world's oceans. The name "5 Gyres" refers to the five major oceanic gyres where plastic debris accumulates due to circulating ocean currents.

Oceanic gyres are large systems of rotating ocean currents. These currents are formed by global wind patterns and the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect). The five major subtropical gyres are:

• North Pacific Gyre: Located in the northern Pacific Ocean.
• South Pacific Gyre: Located in the southern Pacific Ocean.
• North Atlantic Gyre: Located in the northern Atlantic Ocean.
• South Atlantic Gyre: Located in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
• Indian Ocean Gyre: Located in the Indian Ocean.

These gyres act as collection points for floating debris, including plastic waste. Over time, plastic debris breaks down into smaller pieces (microplastics) due to sunlight and wave action, further exacerbating the problem. The accumulation of plastic in these gyres poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. Marine animals can ingest plastic, become entangled in plastic debris, or suffer from habitat damage caused by plastic accumulation.