Fig. 2

Schematic overview of The Ocean Cleanup’s System 03 and associated mitigation measures (i.e., operations, monitoring, and design). System 03 consists of a retention zone attached to a floating barrier and is towed between two slow-moving (< 2.5 knots) vessels. Using monitoring data, numerical modelling of plastic dispersal, and artificial intelligence, the system is steered towards plastic hotspot areas within the NPGP. Floating plastic debris is guided by the wings towards the retention zone. Once the retention zone is ready to be emptied (on average after ~ 4 days), it is pulled onto the vessel and the plastic is emptied on deck for sorting and packing. Subsequently, the retention zone is returned to the water, and the process begins again.