Curtis Ebbesmeyer

I always enjoy books written by passionate, obsessed science geeks. This is not a particularly linear book, but wow, it's interesting. It does point out in depressing detail just how badly we've screwed ourselves with plastics. I knew about part of the plastic problem in the oceans from reading the magnificent books of Carl Safina, but I didn't know that there are places in the ocean where look-alike particles of plastic outnumber plankton 50 to 1. Makes it hard to get a decent meal, if show more plankton is what one eats.

The work Ebbesmeyer has done on learning about and explicating the big gyres is simply fascinating. As is what washes up on the beach, and when, and how. The full story about the Nike spill is here, as well as the adorable tub toys that are still washing up. Thanks, Dr. Brazelton! *sigh*

The writing is hard to follow at some points, and wildly discursive at others. But worth it. show less

To think that this was published 15 years ago, what a scary warning for the effects of plastics and global warming that we are seeing today (2024). Everyone should read this book. Everyone should take steps to reduce their use of plastics. Amazing what effect a simple rubber duck can have. Wonderful reading--accessible and informative, yet enjoyable and relatable stories.

Just beautiful!!

the world as a finely tuned machine. the ocean currents as interrelated gears.
flotsam and jetsam as the indicators of ocean currents, and microcurrents, eddies---ginving us a read on those gears.

and all bets off as to what will happen when the ice melts....

a truely inspired scientist whose life has been one of going where his deep curiousity takes him.