The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit dedicated to eliminating plastic pollution, has announced a strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN). This partnership will leverage AWS’s advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing capabilities to help clean the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) and achieve a 90% reduction in floating ocean plastic by 2040.

The Ocean Cleanup revealed that the GPGP is harming marine life and reducing the ocean’s ability to regulate climate. Removing plastic debris is critical to preserve biodiversity and stop the formation of microplastics that enter the food chain.

To date, The Ocean Cleanup has removed 64 million pounds of marine trash. However, the organization continues to face challenges in detecting and extracting dispersed plastic fragments.

AWS reported that its AI-powered detection tools and cloud infrastructure will enhance The Ocean Cleanup’s ability to track plastic accumulation and predict debris movement. This will enable smarter resource use and boost operational efficiency.

The collaboration will focus on two core initiatives:

• AI-powered plastic detection and tracking: The new system will identify and forecast plastic hotspots in the GPGP using technologies like IoT, satellite data, edge computing, and drones. This will support the development of a plastic navigation system for optimized cleanup routes.
• Cloud-based marine life protection: AWS will help automate marine life detection, reducing the need for human observers and directing more resources to plastic extraction.

Dr. Werner Vogels, CTO of Amazon.com, stated that this collaboration shows how AI and cloud technologies can support environmental goals by transforming data into action.

Boyan Slat, CEO and Founder of The Ocean Cleanup, added that AWS technology will enhance the organization’s ability to locate plastic, improve efficiency, and safeguard marine ecosystems.

Success will be measured by the amount of plastic removed from oceans and rivers. Together, AWS and The Ocean Cleanup aim to set a global example of how technology can protect vital ecosystems while accelerating ocean cleanup.

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