Scientists get ready to begin Great Pacific Garbage Patch cleanup

Ambitious project will involve a massive floating barrier that aims to collect up to five tonnes of plastics every month

A team of scientists and engineers will on Saturday begin an ambitious cleanup of plastics in the Pacific Ocean targeting a stretch of water three times the size of France known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

A 600m-long floating barrier will be launched off the coast of San Francisco and, powered by currents, waves and wind, will aim to collect five tonnes of plastic debris each month.