ATI of Wasilla, Alaska, is a leader in aerial survey work and remote sensing technology and was a principal partner in the High Seas Ghost Net Project. The HSGN project was initially funded by NASA starting in 2001, then later taken up by NOAA in 2003, and was tasked with locating and tagging derelict fishing gear (ghost nets) in the North Pacific Ocean.

Tim Veenstra, founder and CEO of ATI has over 25 years experience in Alaska flying, 20 years in near-shore ocean aerial survey work, and 15 years working in the remote sensing field. Incorporated in 1999, ATI specializes in airborne operations, logistics, and technical support for oceanographic and fisheries surveying, aerial mapping, satellite-based asset tracking and monitoring, and remote sensing research using fixed-wing and helicopter platforms.

ATI has partnered with The Clean Oceans Project to provide technical support in the remote sensing arena that will assist TCOP in locating marine plastic debris in the North Pacific Gyre.

Chad received a B.S. in Physics from Gettysburg College in 1994 and an M.S. in Applied Marine Physics from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School for Marine and Atmospheric Science in 1998 where he investigated extraction of directional wave spectra from VHF radar Doppler spectra. He is a member of AGU and a Senior Member of the IEEE Ocean Engineering Society.

From 1998 to 2001, he was the HF radar technician for the Innovative Coastal Ocean Network (ICON), a NOPP-funded ocean observatory centered around the Monterey Bay. In this position he was responsible for a seven site coastal HF radar network which provided real-time surface current maps and wave data. Since 2001, he has been the Lead Field Engineer and Technical Projects Manager for CODAR Ocean Sensors, manufacturer of the SeaSonde ocean monitoring system, located in Mountain View, CA.

Chad has managed a number of technology development projects including Rapidly Deployable SeaSonde HF RADAR for Oil Spill Response and Multi-Static SeaSonde® HF RADAR Current Mapping by Ships Underway and has managed radar deployments and installations around the world.

Chad is pleased to be working with Max Hubbard, Support Engineer at CODAR, to advise The Clean Oceans Project on current measurements to aid ocean going vessels in cleaning up drifting debris.

In a 40-year career Tom Wylie has produced some of the most innovative and imaginative sailing vessels on the water today. From trophy hunting race boats to comfortable global voyagers, his designs are distinctive and effective.

In 2004, Tom and his business partner Dave Wahle launched the Sailing Research Vessel Derek M. Baylis as a quiet revolution in marine research technology. The DMB is quick, quiet, and economical to operate, using a unique freestanding rig that simplifies the sailing process and reduces crew requirements and associated costs.

This 65' "WylieCat" operates a marine education program for the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium during the summer season and as a contract research vessel in the off season.

The concept has caught the attention of Oregon State University who recently drafted plans for a 224' Wylie design for their next generation offshore research vessel. The US Coast Guard has also drafted a study for a high endurance cutter without a sailing rig that can go further faster and with less fuel requirements than presently possible.

Tom has been working with The Clean Oceans Project to develop an efficient and cost effective platform for harvesting floating plastic debris from the North Pacific Gyre. Utilizing lightweight materials and thoughtful design, Tom and TCOP are addressing many of the questions and concerns about producing a cost effective harvesting and research vessel design.