Ex-Royal Marine from Taunton embarks on Patagonia mission to combat plastic pollution
Scientific expedition aims to study remote environmental impacts
Billy Perham, a former Royal Marines officer from Taunton, is set to embark on a significant scientific journey to Patagonia, Argentina, as part of Mission Spiritus' efforts to study micro- and nanoplastic pollution.
Commencing on 8th September, the expedition will span nearly a month, concluding on 5th October, and will see Mr Perham travel to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field with polar explorer Alan Chambers MBE.
Mission Spiritus, where Mr Perham serves as operations director, is conducting its fourth global mission to investigate plastic pollution in remote regions.
Perham said: "It is a real privilege to be part of Mission Spiritus and to take part in our fourth scientific expedition."
The expedition involves collecting snow samples in remote mountain and glacial terrains, with a local team assisting in traversing several challenging environments.
Mr Perham, who left the Royal Marines in April 2023 after 32 years of service, emphasised the sense of purpose that drives him: "As you highlighted, I left the Royal Marines back in April 2023 after 32 years of service and I didn't really want to stop doing things that had a sense of purpose. That was the key part, you know, purpose is really key to me."
He highlighted the role that he and Mr Chambers play as adventurers facilitating scientific exploration: "Our job is to help scientists get to remote regions in the world."
The collected samples will undergo analysis by Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory to understand the spread and impact of plastic pollution.
In preparation for the physical demands of the expedition, Mr Perham has been training by pulling tyres, a method to simulate pulling equipment through Patagonia’s mountainous terrains.
Mr Perham said, "There is a serious reason behind it. In Patagonia, initially, we'll be carrying our equipment through mountainous regions before we get up onto the southern ice field."
He added, "Both Alan and I are experienced. I think we are well prepared this time, both clothing equipment and physically prepared for the challenge ahead."
This expedition is part of a series of seven missions aiming to gather scientific data across continents.
Previous expeditions focused on Antarctica, Oman, and the Faroe Islands, with future ventures planned for Africa, Australia, and the Northwest Passage.
Mission Spiritus not only contributes to scientific research but also seeks to inspire future generations about exploration and environmental issues.
Mr Perham reflected on previous findings: "The scientists from Columbia University have analysed those samples and detected both micro and nanoplastics in those samples en route. And when you think about that, you know, in one of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth. It's quite extraordinary, I would offer."
By 2029, Mission Spiritus plans to compile comprehensive datasets from seven expeditions spanning all continents.
Mr Perham concluded, "We provide the scientists their samples so that they conduct their really important research on them."