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Marine Debris

18,000 pieces of plastic are estimated to float in every square kilometre of ocean.

633 species worldwide including 77 Australian species are impacted by marine debris.

Over 75% of what is removed from our beaches is made of plastic.

Tangaroa Blue Foundation is an Australian-wide not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the removal and prevention of marine debris, one of the major environmental issues worldwide. But if all we do is clean-up, that is all we will ever do.

To successfully solve the problem, the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) was created, an on-ground network of volunteers, communities and organisations that contribute data from rubbish collected during beach and river clean-up events to the AMDI Database, and then work on solutions to stop the flow of litter at the source. The AMDI helps communities look after their coastal environment by providing resources and support programs, and collaborates with industry and government to create change on a large scale.

In Maori and Polynesian mythology, Tangaroa is the god of the ocean. Tangaroa made laws to protect the ocean and its sea creatures "Tiaki mai i ahau, maku ano koe e tiaki"... If you look after me, then I will look after you..." When, after a week-long clean-up event, the whales and dolphins come close to our beach and slap their flippers, we sometimes wonder if it is Tangaroa saying "thank you".

2016 WA Beach Clean-up Oct 15 & 16

2016 WA Beach Clean up Insta The 2016 West Australian Beach Clean-Up is rapidly approaching. Held on the 15th &16th October, this event will see volunteers right across this beautiful state of ours work together to clean up our coastline. Last year’s event saw over 1,200 people involved, with 5,528kg of rubbish removed from 268km of WA's coastline. We would love to see an even bigger effort this year - so we need your help!

All clean-up materials are provided, all you need to do is bring along some friends and make a day of it. You can register your favourite piece of coastline or riverside by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Volunteers can also join existing groups, to find an event near you, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your location, and she can put you in touch with a local coordinator.

The WA Beach Clean-up is made possible by the State Government’s Natural Resource Management Program and Royalties for Regions program. Tangaroa Blue Foundation would like to to thank Keep Australia Beautiful WA, South West Catchments Council, WA Department of Fisheries, Department of Parks and Wildlife and local government authorities around the state, as well as all the amazing volunteers for their ongoing support on this annual event.

“No Rubbish on Country” – Community Arts Comp 2016

2016 Wadeye Rubbish 10 In August 2016, Thamarrurr Rangers hosted the second annual Community Arts Competition to help spread the message “No Rubbish on Country”. Community members were again invited to make a piece of art from “rubbish” or used / recycled materials. In addition, the Ghost Net Art Project was invited to Wadeye to support workshops at the School and Ranger Base, in the use of marine debris and other materials to create artistic pieces. The project culminated in a display of “rubbish art” at the Wadeye Festival.

2016 Tangaroa Blue Foundation AGM

Tangaroa Blue Logo Notice is given that Tangaroa Blue Foundation Ltd ACN 138 636 521 will hold our 2016 Annual General Meeting on October 22nd at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle, WA from 1-3pm. All members and guests are invited.

Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by October 19th.

Thank you!

WA to Launch CDL Program!

CDL WA The WA Government announced on the 17/08/2016 that it will introduce a container deposit scheme for drink bottles and cans to help improve recycling and reduce littering in Western Australia. Under the scheme, consumers will be able to get a 10 cent refund on containers usually seen as litter, such as beer cans and bottles, soft drinks, bottled water, small flavoured milk drinks, sports drinks and spirit-based mixed drinks.

Premier Colin Barnett said community desire for a container deposit scheme was very strong, which should lead to high participation. It was expected the scheme would start in mid-2018.

The 10 cent refund will be available from reverse vending machines and collection depots at parks, beaches and other public spaces across Western Australia. "Drinks containers are commonly littered, which is not only unsightly, but can cause environmental harm. With a 10 cent refund available, there is a greater incentive to recycle as everyone can benefit from doing the right thing," Mr Barnett said. Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the scheme would complement WA's recycling culture.