Mr. Slat is developing a device that will sift out small plastic particles from our oceans. These manta-ray shaped devices are powered by the wind and sun. Although this floating Manta Ray Vacuum won't pick up say, an old water bottle, out of the ocean, it will be capable of removing those tiny plastic bits that float on the surface and are unable to biodegrade. Some researchers estimate that there are over 7 million tons of these tiny plastic pieces in our ocean gyres.
These teeny plastic bits are broken down from larger plastic garbage, but are unable to break down further. These bits can be mistaken for food by sea life and often contain harmful chemicals that can eventually be consumed by humans.
This cool new innovation is designed to pluck out the plastic and leave zooplankton alone!
