eXXpedition is a series of all-women research sailing expeditions tackling the ocean plastic crisis. I’m going to be joining eXXpedition’s South Pacific III 10-day voyage in June 2026. I will travel from my home in Cornwall to join the crew in Tonga to help collect vital scientific data on ocean plastic pollution.
I will witness the plastic problem first-hand, contribute to groundbreaking scientific research and my aim is to bring back stories that inspire change. Together, with your support, I hope to create a ripple effect that drives solutions from sea to source.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Together, from Cornwall to the Pacific, we can all play a part in turning the tide on ocean plastic.
If you are able to contribute — no matter how small — I would be hugely grateful. See GoFundMe.
Your support will help make this expedition possible and contribute to a wider mission to protect the oceans that sustain all life on Earth. And if you can’t donate, sharing this page with friends, family and colleagues would mean just as much.
Thank you for being part of the journey. – Follow my voyage here!
Amanda’s South Pacific eXXpedition
Every minute, plastic enters our oceans — harming wildlife, ecosystems and communities around the world. This expedition contributes to groundbreaking scientific research to better understand how plastic moves from land to sea and to help identify solutions. “What is the nature, distribution and source of microplastics and associated toxins in remote ocean environments, and how can this data inform effective solutions to plastic pollution at source?”
Join me in helping to inspire others to keep learning, try new things and take action — because ordinary people working together really can make a difference.
Amanda’s video application for eXXpedition.
As well as a participating in a sailing voyage I am also on a voyage of discovery… developing my video skills – this was for Instagram hence its portrait.. should have used landscape for YouTube Ooops! Everyday is a school day!
From Cornwall to Tonga
Although the expedition takes place in the South Pacific, my journey begins at home in Cornwall.
I will travel to Tonga to join the research voyage, sailing between Pangaimotu Wharf in Nuku’alofa and Neiafu in Vava’u, Tonga. During the expedition our crew will work alongside scientists to study how plastic pollution moves from communities into the ocean. We will collect valuable data from some of the world’s most remote watersto help map the sources and scale of plastic pollution.
The learning will not stop there. Before and after the voyage I plan to connect the research back to Cornwall through my role as Coordinator for the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation, working with Plastic Free Falmouth and Wreck Free Fal and Helford to explore local plastic pollution challenges and share insights from the expedition.
By linking local action in Cornwall with global research in the Pacific, I hope to help raise awareness and encourage practical steps to reduce plastic entering our seas.
What we will be doing on the eXXpedition
During the voyage our crew will contribute to important scientific research by:
- Collecting and analysing microplastics from the ocean surface
- Conducting coastal litter surveys and beach transects
- Investigating how plastic flowsfrom communities into the ocean
- Working with local experts and communities toexplore solutions
The research helps build a clearer understanding of plastic pollution pathways and supports efforts to prevent plastic entering the ocean in the first place.
Staying connected with the journey
I am keen to share the experience and learning from the expedition as widely as possible.
Throughout the journey I will share updates, photos and reflections on the research and the voyage. After returning, I plan to give talks and share what we learned with local communities, schools, organisations and businesses interested in ocean protection and reducing plastic pollution.
I would love you to follow the journey and be part of the conversation about how we can all play a role in protecting our oceans.
Why this matters to me personally
Whilst I have always loved learning, taking part in a Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) sailing voyage firmly reinforced my belief that every day is a school day. The TSYT adult voyages raises funds to support their charitable work to empower young people — particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds — through transformational sailing experiences.
That experience showed me the remarkable power of sailing voyages to build teamwork, confidence and resilience. It also gave me the confidence to return to university and complete a Masters in Sustainable Business Management.
Joining this expedition feels like a continuation of that journey — combining adventure, teamwork and learning while contributing to something bigger than ourselves: protecting our seas.
If this voyage inspires even a few people to take action for our oceans, then it will have been worthwhile.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
Together, from Cornwall to the Pacific, we can all play a part in turning the tide on ocean plastic.
If you are able to contribute — no matter how small — I would be hugely grateful. See GoFundMe.
Your support will help make this expedition possible and contribute to a wider mission to protect the oceans that sustain all life on Earth. And if you can’t donate, sharing this page with friends, family and colleagues would mean just as much.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
