A golden evening on Lake Ontario. Wikipedia Commons Photo.
In the last week, we have had a lot of inquiries about the upcoming Freshwater Research and Scientific Communications course. The course, which will be held on board our sailing vessel, Sea Dragon, this July. We are thrilled to tell you that the course is filling up rapidly, and as the summer approaches, we are all beginning to look forward to sunny sailing along the St. Lawrence Seaway, and through Lake Ontario.
Some people were wondering why it is that we chose to run our undergraduate course between Montreal and Toronto, Canada. It’s a good question, and one I posed recently to the course leader, Dr. Sherri (Sam) Mason.
Dr. Mason graduated cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin before completing her PhD in Chemistry at the University of Montana as a NASA Earth System Science scholar. She is currently an Associate Professor at SUNY Fredonia in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Her research interests are focused upon plastic pollution within freshwater ecosystems. In addition to her primary academic role she serves as the coordinator of the Environmental Sciences program and the Sustainability Coordinator for the SUNY FACE Center.
Dr. Mason lakeside looking for plastic particles in beach sand. Photo from WBFO's new website
Dr. Mason is a pioneer in freshwater plastic pollutions research. During the summer of 2012, Dr. Mason and a team of 20 undergraduate students aboard the tall ship Flagship Niagara, a wooden ship that’s replica vessel from the War of 1812. Dr. Mason and her crew conducted the first-ever survey for plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, using a manta trawl to collect samples within the open waters of the 3 of the 5 Great lakes (Superior, Huron and Erie).
No one knew what Dr. Mason’s team would find in the Great Lakes, but the results turned out to be shocking.Two of the 21 samples they collected contained 600,000 plastic pieces per square kilometre — nearly twice as much as the highest plastic count ever recorded in the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
This summer, as a part of Pangaea’s Freshwater Research course, Dr. Mason plans on having students collect plastic debris samples in the St. Lawrence Seaway, as well as Lake Ontario, to compare to the samples found in Lakes Superior, Huron and Erie. Lake Ontario is the furthest lake downstream in the Great Lakes, and is fed by the movement of water from Lake Erie via Niagara Falls. Mason has theorized that the highest concentrations of plastic debris could be found in Lake Ontario, and is eager to investigate.
I spoke to Dr. Mason recently about what drives her to study freshwater plastics pollution. For a more detailed interview with Dr. Mason, you can check out her interview on Dialogues TV:
Shot from Dialogues' Episode with Dr. Sherri Mason
Pangaea Explorations: What inspired you to study plastic pollution issues?
Dr. Mason: One of my favorite classes to teach is a nonmajors Environmental Chemistry course in which I get to introduce the plethora of environmental issues facing our society. I have been teach about plastic pollution in that class for ten years.
PE:What do you think are the most pressing environmental issues for the Great Lakes at the moment?
Dr. Mason: Unfortunately the most pressing environmental issues for the Great Lakes haven’t changed much. This region was the cornerstone for the industrial revolution within the US and we are still dealing with the aftermath of all that industrialization. PCBs, which were banned in the US in 1979, are still present in significant amounts, as are Dioxins, Furans, DDT and Mercury. These POP (persistent organic pollutant) species have been and continue to be a major environmental concern for this region.
The presence of plastic within the great Lakes only adds an additional layer of complexity to this issue because we know that they adsorb POPs from the surrounding water, hyper-concentrating them on their surface and thereby aiding in their ability to migrate into the food chain.
Dr. Mason on board the Tall ship Flagship NiagaraPE: What is being done to combat plastic pollutions in the Great Lakes region now?
Dr. Mason: Until our initial survey during the Summer of 2012, this wasn’t even known to be an issue. In fact a number of government officials I spoke to in advance of our expedition didn’t believe we would find anything. But we did. I don’t think anything is really being done right now to combat plastic pollution within the Great Lakes, but I hope that will quickly change.
PE:What will students be learning during the Freshwater Research Course?
Dr. Mason: We will start with just a basic overview of the Great Lakes system: how and when they were created, characteristics of each of the lakes within the system and differences between the lakes. We will then move on to basic water quality measurements (hands-on) and plastic pollution surveys. We plan (time permitting) to also discuss eutrophication, PPCPs, invasive species and environmental policies of the Great Lakes.
PE: Are there any new technologies or ideas out there that can help us tackle freshwater environmental pollution?
Dr. Mason: The best solution for any environmental problem is to start at the source of the issue. So rather than looking to new technologies to help “fix” the problem, stop the problem before it starts. Switching from modern agricultural methods (which involve using large quantities of synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers) to more organic methods, for example, can do a lot with regard to current issues with algal blooms and eutrophication. Similarly, decreasing our use of single-use disposable plastic items, like bags, straws, and bottles, can dramatically reduce the amount of plastic that is in our water.
PE: What do you love about sailing in the Great Lakes?
Collecting samples on board Flagship Niagara
Dr. Mason: I lived along the shores of the Great Lakes for 10 years before I ever went out in them, and it wasn’t until I went sailing the Great Lakes for the first time that I truly appreciated them. They are amazing!
The lakes truly are beautiful, breath-taking and powerful. I think that every-single person, all 35 million of us that live within the Great Lakes watershed, should go sailing at least once on the Great Lakes.Once you’ve seen the lakes froma sail boat, you appreciate what they are- how vast, amazing and beautiful they are. From then on, you want to do anything you can to make sure they stay that way.
To learn more about the Freshwater Research and Scientific Communications Course, click here:
To read more about Dr. Sherri Mason’s 2012 Expedition, check these articles out:
Allen, Katie. November 29, 2012. “High Levels of Plastics Found in the Great Lakes”. Toronto Star Newspaper article.
One of the first things people ask is whether they need experience before coming on board. The answer is no experience needed!
Most people start exactly where you are, curious, a little unsure, and wondering if they’re really capable of something like this. The truth is, you don’t need to have it all figured out before you arrive. You learn step by step, surrounded by people who are there to guide you and a crew that quickly starts to feel like your own.
And somewhere along the way, something shifts. What once felt intimidating starts to feel natural.
You just have to start.
#Panexplore #SailingAdventure #LearnToSail #AdventureTravel #LifeAtSea #WomenWhoExplore #SoloTravel #TrySomethingNew
💌 YOU’RE INVITED! Join us for @panexplore Open Boat Tour NYC Edition 🗽 in Brooklyn Bridge Marina, NYC on Sunday 17 May from 10am to 12noon - it’s FREE to attend, do RSVP tho!
🔗 RSVP link in BIO
#openboat #SailingAdventure #OffshoreSailing #SailingTrip #AdventureTravel
There’s someone watching — wondering if she could do it too.
Show her.
No experience needed.
Just the decision to go.
Get on board 🔗 Link in bio
#womenwhoadventure #girlswhosail #adventurewomen #oceanadventure
You don’t need to wait for someone else to be ready.
A lot of people who come on board start the same way — on their own, not knowing anyone, just feeling that pull to do something different.
And it doesn’t take long before things shift. You’re learning together, working side by side, sharing meals, stories, and moments you didn’t expect.
It’s a different kind of connection, one that happens naturally when you’re all part of the same experience.
So if that’s the only thing holding you back, you can let it go.
#Panexplore #SoloTravel #SailingAdventure #AdventureTravel #LifeAtSea #TravelCommunity #WomenWhoExplore #ExploreMore
2027 is live ⛵️
Skip the usual.
Real sailing. Raw adventure. No experience needed.
Get on board.
💛
Link in bio 🔗
#sailingadventure #adventuresailing #exploremore #seadragon
It’s important to us that time on Sea Dragon feels both enjoyable and meaningful, with plenty of opportunity to get involved and build real sailing experience along the way. Our team works closely with every guest to make sure they feel supported while still being part of the day-to-day life on board.
Thanks for being part of the journey with us. 🌊🌅
#Panexplore #SailTheWorld #DreamTravel #OceanJourney #OceanAdventures #SailingInstagram
Every expedition starts with the right vessel. SV Sea Dragon is built for offshore sailing at a serious level, designed to cross oceans, handle changing conditions, and support life at sea for extended periods.
🔹 Built for Extreme Conditions: Originally created for the Global Challenge Race, one of the toughest ocean voyages, this 72ft steel vessel is designed to handle the harshest environments on the planet.
🔹 Ocean-Certified Safety: Rated Category 0 (All Oceans), the highest maritime standard, meaning it’s equipped and approved to sail anywhere in the world safely.
🔹 Made for Real Expedition Sailing: This isn’t a passive experience. The vessel is set up for hands-on participation, so even first-time sailors can actively be part of the crew.
🔹 Built for Long Offshore Journeys: With satellite communications, advanced navigation systems, renewable energy sources, and onboard water-making, it’s fully equipped for extended time at sea.
🔹 Small Crew, Real Experience: Up to 12 guest crew onboard means a more immersive, team-based experience where everyone plays a role.
🔹 Comfort Where It Matters: Sea berths, a full galley, shared living space, and essential facilities designed for life offshore, practical, functional, and built for the journey.
Life on Sea Dragon is simple, structured, and purposeful. It’s not about stepping away from the world for a while, it’s about stepping into something different and being part of how it works. ⛵🌊
#Panexplore #ExpeditionVehicle #SailingBoats #SailTheWorld #DreamTravel #SailingInstagram #SailTrip
Earth Day is every day on our Blue Planet.
This year, @panexplore relaunch its Ocean Fellowship Program and welcome onboard scientists, journalists, educators, artists and storytellers to help bring awareness about the critical state of our Oceans and boost conservation efforts. We’re partnering with incredible organisations like @exxpedition_ @herplanetearth @nature_org and many more!
Join us onboard!
#panexplore #sailtheworld #earthday #oceans #sailing
🌊⛵️ LAUNCHING > our 2027 expeditions are officially live
From transiting the Panama Canal to crossing the vast Pacific, next year’s Panexplore journeys are built for those ready to go beyond the ordinary. Think remote islands, open ocean passages, and hands-on sailing aboard SV Sea Dragon.
Whether it’s the Galápagos, Tahiti, or a passage through the remote Palmyra Atoll and Kiritimati—this is your chance to be part of something unforgettable.
Berths are limited and will fill fast—start planning your 2027 adventure now.
#Panexplore #SailingExpedition #OceanAdventure #SailTheWorld #OffshoreLife
We sail straight into it.
Join us this summer. Multiple Arctic and sub-arctic trips to choose from.
#greenland #iceland #adventuretravel #arcticcircle #panexplore
