In 2023, we experienced a poignant moment in Algalita’s history—the sale of the Oceanographic Research Vessel Alguita. This vessel, once the heart and soul of our scientific expeditions, played a pivotal role in advancing global awareness of the plastic pollution crisis. Captain Charles Moore, Algalita’s founder, trusted the Alguita to carry out groundbreaking research, inspiring countless individuals and communities to take action. But as time passed, it became clear that the vessel’s time had come to an end. Captain Moore, with great care, made the difficult decision to sell the vessel, knowing that its legacy would live on in a new way.
To honor the ORV Alguita’s incredible history, we created a special mini-documentary. It captures not just the vessel’s charm and personality, but also the profound impact it had on the world. Some of the proceeds from the sale of the Alguita were used to fund an endowment for Algalita’s sister organization, Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, ensuring that its legacy will continue to support vital research and education long into the future. The boat, much like a giving tree, has now become a catalyst for further change.