Description: Help Support the Saving of Irene’s Way. She is anxious the begin saving lives, but she is stuck in Mexico. in need of another $28,000 before she can do her work. Take Action
Historic Monterey Vessel Needs Immediate Help to Save Our Ocean
Time is running out for the first critical ocean cleanup mission that could remove thousands of pounds of deadly plastic from the Pacific. With less than $28,000 standing between success and failure, Captain John Pennisi’s dream of transforming his family’s fishing legacy into an ocean-saving force hangs in the balance.
The Mission That Could Change Everything
For six generations, the Pennisi family has worked Monterey’s waters, feeding the community and upholding a proud maritime tradition. Now, Captain John Pennisi is ready to write a new chapter—one that could help save our oceans from the 11 million tons of plastic pollution that enter marine waters every year.
The F/V Irene’s Way, a 70-foot fishing vessel with deep roots in Monterey Bay. The ship has been contracted by the Ocean Voyages Institute for groundbreaking ocean cleanup operations. This isn’t just another fishing trip—it’s a mission to remove ghostnets and plastic marine debris that are killing marine life and contaminating our food supply.
A Historic Partnership Ready to Launch
Captain John is contracted with Ocean Voyages Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has been leading ocean cleanup projects since 2009, Irene’s Way will be hired as Captain and crew to remove ghostnets (breakaway fishing nets floating aimlessly in our sea that snag and kill thousands of marine animals each year) and other plastic marine debris from coastal and offshore waters.
The first voyage details are impressive:
- Duration:7-10 days of intensive cleanup operations
- Route: San Diego to San Pedro (or mutually agreed port)
- Crew capacity: Up to 4 additional persons including media documentation
- Mission: Remove as much plastic debris as possible through collaboration with local fishing fleets
Help Support the Saving of Irene’s Way.
She is anxious to begin saving lives, but she is stuck in Mexico. in need of another $28,000 before she can do her work.
Take Action !
The Crisis That Could Destroy Our Ocean's Best Hope
After years of struggling with harsh industry regulations that were destroying the livelihood of fisherman up and down the coast, Irene’s Way faced a devastating blow while undergoing repairs in Ensenada, Mexico. Cartel thieves stripped the vessel of most of its equipment and machinery, leaving Captain Pennisi to invest every resource he had into restoration and totaling over $400,000.
The harsh reality: With just $28,000 more needed to complete final repairs, refuel, and restore insurance, this historic Monterey vessel could be lost forever—along with our chance to launch this critical ocean cleanup mission.
The Ocean Voyages Institute is counting on Irene’s Way for multiple cleanup operations, including:
- October 2025 expedition: 30-day mission
- December 2025 expedition: Another 30-36 day cleanup operation
- Ongoing partnerships with local fishermen to identify and remove marine debris
Why This Mission Matters More Than Ever
Microplastics in our oceans have reached crisis levels, with increased community interest growing with over 1,000 monthly searches seeking information about ocean cleanup solutions. The data shows alarming trends:
- Ghostnets kill over 100,000 marine mammals annually
- Plastic pollution causes plasticosis, a deadly disease in seabirds
- Microplastics are contaminating the seafood we eat, entering the human food chain
- Ocean plastic cleanup solutions are desperately needed before it’s too late
Irene’s Way represents one of the only West Coast vessels capable of hauling out tons of plastic debris from our Pacific waters. This isn’t just about saving one boat—it’s about transforming Monterey’s fishing heritage into a powerful force for ocean restoration.
The September Mission That Won't Wait
Ocean Voyages Institute has scheduled Irene’s Way for immediate deployment, with cleanup operations planned to begin as soon as the vessel is seaworthy. The September 30th contract outlines specific mission parameters:
Collaborative cleanup strategy: Captain Pennisi’s extensive knowledge of the coast and connections within the fishing fleet will direct operations to areas where fishermen have reported concentrations of ghostnets and plastic debris.
Future Operations: Local fishing vessels will assist in removing nets, with Irene’s Way serving as the primary collection and transport vessel.
Media documentation: The mission will include crew and media to document the cleanup operations, raising awareness about ocean plastic pollution and the urgent need for continued cleanup efforts.
Future Missions Saving the Seas of 50,000+ Tons Depend on This Moment
The contract reveals ambitious plans extending into 2025, with many other missions of opportunity.
These future missions represent:
- Sustainable employment for Captain Pennisi and crew
- Tons of plastic removed from Pacific waters
- Protection for marine life, including whales, seals, and seabirds
- Safer seafood for coastal communities
- A model for other fishing vessels to follow
But without immediate funding to complete boat repairs, none of these missions will happen.
Take Action Now—Save Our Ocean's Future
The Ocean That Sustains All Life is Counting on You
The GoFundMe campaign for Monterey’s Heritage Vessel has raised significant funds, but the final $28,000 represents the difference between success and total loss. The GoFundMe campaign needs your immediate support. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to launching this groundbreaking ocean cleanup mission.
Visit the campaign today: https://www.gofundme.com/manage/montereys-heritage-vessel-needs-help-to-save-our-ocean
Your $50 donation could: Fund one hour of ocean cleanup operations
Your $100 donation could: Help remove a massive ghost net
Your $500 donation could: Support an entire day of marine debris collection
Your $1,000 donation could: Help complete the boat repairs needed to launch the mission
Your $10,000 donation could: Save the Seas for a month!
The Ocean That Sustains All Life is Counting on You
The Pacific Ocean produces every other breath you take and regulates our planet’s climate. Irene’s Way represents our best chance to start removing the plastic pollution that threatens this vital ecosystem.
Captain John Pennisi has invested everything to get this far. The Ocean Voyages Institute has contracted the vessel for immediate cleanup operations. The September mission is planned and ready to launch.
The only missing piece is your support.
Don’t let this historic opportunity slip away. Donate now to the Monterey Heritage Vessel campaign and help launch the first of many ocean-saving missions.