A continent sized island of plastic drifted into the middle of the ocean, choking aquatic life, and driving animals like the albatross to the brink of extinction. Majestic birds that had once soared gracefully through the sky on large wingspans allowing them to glide motionless for thousands of miles had fallen on dark days, and were very near extinction. Todd Bender was talking to his intern, Michael Dean, who had working on his Biology degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. They were floating through the great Pacific Ocean garbage patch, a toxic ocean of humanity’s discarded trash. "We're going out here to try and stop the spread of this plastic soup that's choking the sea life. Well, that's the plan anyway, but first we have to gather data. Did they tell you anything about our mission at the university?" "Not really. The ad said you were looking for someone to help in an oceanic cleanup effort. College credits would be awarded for selected participants. I was the only one who applied, and now I think I see why." Michael answered.
