More than £2,500 was raised this week for a pioneering all- female scientific expedition called North Pacific 2018.

The aim is to help Colby based marine scientist Rowan Henthorn, 27, raise the funds to take part in the research.

Rowan’s expedition is to sail from Hawaii to Seattle, covering more than 3,000 nautical miles, starting Wednesday, June 20.

Along the way, the 24 women will travel through the world’s densest ocean plastic accumulation zone, the North Pacific Gyre.

Rowan said: ’We aim to raise awareness of the devastating impact of single-use plastic and toxics in the world’s oceans.

’[And] Celebrating women in science, leadership, adventure, create a community of female change-makers and inspiring global ambassadors to tackle the environmental and health impact of plastic pollution.’

This will be the 10th expedition the company behind North Pacific 2018, aptly named eXXpedition will have done.

The crew will consist of scientists, students, artists, filmmakers, business women, psychologists, actors, ocean activists, sustainability professionals and of course, sailors.

Rowanworks for the Department for Environment, Fishing and Agrilculture as part of the team working on the plastic reduction plan for the island.

She explained she applied to join the expedition after seeing it during a British wide awareness campaign.

Rowan added: ’Public interest in ocean plastic pollution is at an all time high and the crew want their voyage to put a spotlight on the less understood issue of micro plastics. During the month long voyage, the crew will make daily trawls for plastics and pollutants, and collect data for a variety of global datasets and scientific research.

The fund-raiser, held at the Foraging Vintners in Port Erin, included an auction and a minister walking the plank.

The Minister for the Department for Enterprise, Laurence Skelly MHK (Rushen), raised more than £300 as he took the plunge.

Mr Skelly said: ’I am delighted to support Rowan is this hugely worthy cause where I am sure she will also act as a fabulous ambassador for UNESCO Isle of Man.’

To set sale next month, Rowan said she has to raise £5950, she said ’I’m actually really close to my target which is amazing’

Rowan also thanked all the businesses that had donated prizes and Christy Dehaven for running the auction.