Plastic pollution research in the Arctic, part of the 5 Gyres 2016 Arctic Expedition (Carolynn Box co-lead this Expedition with Marcus Eriksen).

Plastic pollution research in the Arctic, part of the 5 Gyres 2016 Arctic Expedition (Carolynn Box co-lead this Expedition with Marcus Eriksen).

PROGRAM DESIGN / RESEARCH / CITIZEN SCIENCE

  • 10+ Ocean Expeditions (Design, development, management, fundraising, and research)

  • Submitted and obtained research permits for many projects (USA and beyond)

  • Designed citizen science programs and campaigns

  • Lead on SF Bay Micropalstics Project, 3-year research program to identify sources and pathways

  • Field protocol development (microfiber, macro / microplastics)

LEADERSHIP / COLLABORATION / FUNDRAISING

  • Brought together individuals and entities to design and fund large scale plastic pollution projects

  • Written and assisted with 100s of grants to support ocean conservation

  • Worked with NGOs, policy makers, wastewater / stormwater agencies, government officials, activists, and the public.

  • Facilitated and managed process to identify solutions / ideas from different stakeholders

Heading to conduct research on Bermuda beaches before 2014 Iceland Expedition (Carolynn Box second from left).

Heading to conduct research on Bermuda beaches before 2014 Iceland Expedition (Carolynn Box second from left).

SCIENCE TO POLICY

  • Supported Bay Area and California-wide policies that protect our ocean and beaches through campaigns, scientific data, and building awareness.

  • Work has supported policies to eliminate single use plastics from communities around the USA.

  • Participated in California Ocean Projection Council’s Litter Strategy and Microplastics Strategy, two policies that create space to better understand and address plastic pollution.

COMMUNITY BUILDING / AWARENESS & ACTION

  • Part of a strong community of scientists, NGOs, regulators, policy folks, and activists that work to solve ocean issues.

  • I’ve worked to bring this community together for adventure & to identify solutions.

  • I love connecting projects and people so that their ideas get elevated!

 

Carolynn Box managed the 5 Gyres San Francisco Bay Microplastics Project that was done in partnership with SFEI and resulted in important policy recommendations for the San Francisco Bay to consider to address the issue of plastic pollution. This is a short film about the project that highlights all of the data results and suggested solutions. Visit 5 Gyres for more info.

Carolynn Box participated in 12 large scale expeditions to carry out plastic pollution research in remote areas, including the Arctic, Marshall Islands, Bermuda Triangle, Belize and more. This is a short film about the 2018 5 Gyres Indonesia Expedition that I managed/planned/led.

Carolynn Box participated in the 2017 Hello Ocean Expedition as an expert from 5 Gyres to carry out microplastics research along side biologists testing chemicals in marine mammals.