Set in 2035, the scene challenges students to help floating science laboratories in a quest to protect the Hawaiian islands from the devastating effects of ocean soup. As growing awareness creates more organizations, agencies, and governments working toward ocean pollution problems, the fictional Ola Kai Project narrows its focus from ocean pollution to ocean soup. Ocean Soup is a very specific and narrowed topic – ocean soup does not refer to all debris or pollution in the ocean; it refers only to those small pieces of plastic below the surface.
Ocean Soup Future Scene
As Jobie Sakai leans on the railing of the Ola Kai, she admires the beauty of her ocean paradise. Jobie, a fifth generation Hawaiian devoted to the future of her homeland, is dedicated to her job as an environmental chemist aboard the Ola Kai #6, one of Hawai‘i’s floating science laboratories. The Ola Kai (meaning “healthy ocean”) Project is a combined effort of the Hawaiian Environmental Council and the University of Hawai‘i. Now, in 2035 after 15 active years, the project is struggling to live up to its nickname: the OK Project.
Originally, the OK Project focused on the waters affected by Hawai‘i’s island-generated pollutants. Public interest in the project led to a resurgence in eco-education; recycling and the reduced use of plastics became an accepted part of island life for Hawai‘i residents. The “adopt a beach” clean-up program became a popular draw for eco-tourists. However, researchers like Jobie became increasingly aware that their efforts were not enough.
The world’s largest manufacturers of plastic products border both sides of the Pacific. A ten million square mile system of rotating currents called the North Pacific Gyre has its axis near the 137 islands of the Hawaiian chain. Pacific environmental regulations have historically been weak or disregarded by heavy industrial nations who continue to use these waters as a dumping ground. Consequently, the 1500 mile-long archipelago paradise has been attacked by ocean soup for many years.
The soup surrounds Hawai‘i, placing the islands and their resources at risk of permanent damage. Especially vulnerable are the sparsely-inhabited northwest islands, the world’s largest protected marine sanctuary that is home to many endangered fish, birds, seals, and Hawai‘i’s beleaguered fishing industry. Eco-tourism routes have been altered to reduce impact on indigenous species and circumnavigated due to the location of floating laboratories.
With the increasing damaging effects from ocean soup on the island chain, Jobie and her coworkers realized that the Ola Kai Project’s numerous floating labs had to broaden their territory while narrowing their focus. Due to the scope of the damage, the project directors reached out to other groups working in the Pacific and consulted with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It was determined that the best approach would be to divide up the responsibilities among agencies. Now the OK Project labs focus solely on the battle against microplastics, leaving the collection of larger trash to other organizations.
Ola Kai laboratory crews record various data for analysis, keeping track of multiple fish species and beneficial organisms like plankton. Specified lab crews weigh the microplastic debris collected on a weekly basis and compile that data while Jobie and other chemists continue their in-depth examination of the plastic degradation and its effect on the waters surrounding the islands.
Collection of debris that is smaller than a pencil eraser has often done more harm than good to sea life. After experimenting with several collection methods, the OK Project currently uses below-surface robotic collectors that randomly collect plastic particles being carried by the currents. Project teams are also experimenting with alternative collection methods, including new nanofiber sieves and use of pollution-dissolving lasers.
Ola Kai’s floating labs have plastic-to-fuel conversion systems capable of harvesting tons of plastic pollution and converting it into diesel fuel for the labs, thus eliminating the need to return to shore for disposal of the waste in a landfill. In spite of their progress, water samples still show an alarming amount of plastic particles.
Jobie Sakai turns from the sight of her beloved homeland to address eco-volunteers who are on board to help with the data reports. “Aloha. I thank you for devoting your time and energy to our project. After analyzing the impact of the OK Project on the Hawaiian Islands, select a major issue that the Ola Kai Project faces and use good problem-solving skills to address the issue you select. Let’s get to work.”
Disclaimer: Future scene may have been adjusted by Future Problem Solving for format, clarity and content.
