In 1997, while sailing across the Pacific Ocean, Captain Charles Moore took a shortcut through the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Expecting to see clear, pristine waters, he instead encountered a swirling expanse of floating plastic debris — a discovery that would change the world's understanding of ocean pollution. Join CEC and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper for an evening with Captain Charles Moore, beginning with a short 2019 documentary by the Korean Broadcasting System exposing the alarming reality of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and concluding with an exclusive Q&A with Capt. Moore.

Compelled to act, Capt. Moore founded the Algalita Marine Research and Education and Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research. His landmark study on microplastics in the North Pacific Gyre revealed that for every kilogram of plankton in the ocean, there are 6 kilograms of plastics — research widely cited in media and science publications worldwide. Come ask questions, deepen your understanding, and connect directly with one of the world’s leading voices on plastic pollution!