Project AWARE Foundation

United States Office:

30151 Tomas, Suite 200
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949-858-7657

August 2, 2018

Dear Ocean Cleanup,

In recent years, debris in the ocean has become an increasingly major issue. This is having a big impact
on the marine ecosystem because many animals are dying from plastics and other trash in the ocean.

We are reaching out to you in an attempt to ask for your help in expanding your efforts in order to save
more sharks. Specifically we are asking for a focus along both coasts of the United States. This is because the
U.S. has such a high population and a problem with littering the oceans. Because sharks are dying from debris
in the ocean, it results in a decline of the oceans health. Sharks keep the ocean clean from carcasses and they
play a critical role in the food chain which ensures the health of the ocean on many levels that many do not
think about.

One big problem that has occurred from debris in the ocean is microplastic pollution. According to
Futurism, a study published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution, showed that marine animals like
whale sharks, and basking sharks are consuming tiny plastic particles that can block their ability to absorb
nutrients. These particles can have toxic side effects too. I would like to pose a few questions to you in order to
get some information out to those that want to help.
1. How much additional money needs to be raised in order to take action along the east and west coast
of the United States?
2. How long is the set up process to get everything in place?
3. Does your technology also clean up microplastics?

Ocean Cleanup has a chance to be responsible for making a change and preventing this potential
disaster. According to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a non-profit marine conservation organization,
sharks play a critical role in providing 1/3 of our world with food, producing a lot of oxygen, removing half of
the atmosphere’s greenhouse gas, and controlling our planet’s temperature and weather.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Tyler Schultz
Vice President of Operations
Project AWARE Foundation