Extreme Ocean Plastic Cleanup, Powered by Geospatial Intelligence
Mapping ocean plastic in the world’s hardest places
From remote coastlines to global ocean systems, how data and field operations converge
Description
What does it take to remove plastic from the most remote and unforgiving coastlines on Earth, and to do it with precision?
This session hosted by Good Machine brings together frontline operators and technologists working at the intersection of extreme cleanup expeditions and advanced geospatial intelligence. From Alaska’s Kayak Island, one of the highest known plastic accumulation zones in North America, to global biodiversity hotspots, new approaches are emerging to map, quantify, and act.
By combining low-tech field operations with drones, machine learning, and geospatial pipelines, these teams are building a more systematic way to understand plastic flows, prioritize interventions, and scale restoration efforts.
A practical look at how data meets reality in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Run of Show
Opening and context (5 min)
Why extreme coastal environments matter
From isolated cleanups to system-level understanding
Ocean Plastics Recovery, Kayak Island (10 min)
Overview of Kayak Island as a Sentinel Site
Field operations and accumulation dynamics
Lessons from repeated expeditions
Plastic Odyssey, World Heritage expeditions (15 min)
Field-tested cleanup operations in remote environments
Preparing next-generation large-scale missions
Introduction of a new sail-powered vessel for restoration logistics and scientific operations
Organized Matter, geospatial intelligence (5 min)
Data pipelines, mapping, and analysis
Turning fragmented data into operational insights
Joint segment, toward a unified approach (10 min)
Combining low-tech and high-tech methods
Drone mapping, infrared imaging, machine learning
Building repeatable models for marine protected areas
Q&A (10 min)
Followed by ReefGen demo during break or networking session
Speakers
Andy Schroeder, Co-Founder, Ocean Plastics Recovery Project
Scott Farling, Co-Founder, Ocean Plastics Recovery Project
Fabien Lamaison, Executive Director, Plastic Odyssey Fund
Max Konstantinovsky, Founder & CEO, Organized Matter
Will Gardiner, Chief Product Officer, Organized Matter
About Co-Hosts
Good Machine is a venture studio that invents, deploys, and scales companies that solve the world’s most pressing challenges. We collaborate with global communities to develop tools and technologies that contribute to the common good.
Organized Matter is making geospatial operations affordable, accessible, and actionable
Ocean Plastics Recovery is reversing the flow of plastics into the marine environment, restoring critical habitat so that nature can thrive, and returning ocean plastics to the circular economy.
Reefgen develops underwater robots like Grasshopper and Kora to plant seagrass and coral, scaling restoration of marine habitats globally
Plastic Odyssey is a global nonprofit leading bold expeditions to remove plastic pollution and restore biodiversity in the world’s most fragile marine ecosystems, combining field engineering, research, and education to drive lasting impact.
Plastic Odyssey Fund is the U.S. nonprofit connecting donors, foundations, and partners to Plastic Odyssey’s global missions. Based in San Francisco, it funds and supports projects operated by Plastic Odyssey’s international entities to scale ocean restoration efforts worldwide.
SF Climate Week
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