AMDI Network

AMDI Network

Australian Marine Debris Initiative Information Page

The Australian Marine Debris Initiative is a network of communities, schools, industries, government agencies and individuals focused on reducing the amount of marine debris washing into our oceans.

On every beach around Australia you will find some form of marine debris, from litter left by visitors to international debris, to ghost nets or rubbish washed from far inland through stormwater drains.

The statistics are horrifying with the United Nationals' Regional Seas Program estimating more than 18,000 pieces of plastic in each square kilometre of ocean; and other research estimating more than 8 million tonnes of debris entering the world's oceans each year. The majority of this marine debris is plastic, which due to its chemical makeup is a long lasting material. Plastics, once released into the environment, never biodegrade, instead photodegrading breaking into smaller and smaller pieces of the original item, forever remaining in the environment.

The Australian Marine Debris Initiative is a way that everyone can become involved in both the removal of marine debris and finding solutions to stop the flow of rubbish into our oceans.

The Australian Marine Debris Initiative includes:

  • Marine debris and beach clean up events
  • On-going marine debris monitoring programs
  • Presentations on the marine debris issue
  • Workshops on mitigation strategies on marine debris
  • The Australian Marine Debris Database
  • Educational resources and clean up materials

If you are interested in joining the Australian Marine Debris Initiative or finding out more send us an email to info@tangaroablue.org

NETWORK NEWS

 

First ‘Project ReCon’ Ghost Gear Captured

Stef Barney

Project ReCon tracks and retrieves first deadly and destructive ghost gear 4 kms off the coast from Weipa

The first ghost gear has been tracked by Tangaroa Blue’s Project ReCon team and retrieved by Indigenous rangers 4 kms off the coast of Weipa.

With the support of Satlink, the Project ReCon team repurposed an echo sounder buoy, which was recovered during a recent clean-up, to track and monitor the 3 tonnes of discarded commercial fishing gear while the Indigenous rangers, Australian Border Force and Capricornia Contracting mobilised to collect it.

Read more “First ‘Project ReCon’ Ghost Gear Captured”

How Citizen science projects can support UN Sustainable Development Goals

Stef Barney

We are excited to see the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database being used in this paper to explore how citizen science projects measuring beach plastic debris can support the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. The UN established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for sustainable development, including SDG 14, which aims to reduce marine pollution, specifically plastic debris. However, national data on plastic debris has been limited, despite citizen science projects collecting relevant information for SDG reporting.

Read more “How Citizen science projects can support UN Sustainable Development Goals”

A Record-Breaking Cleanup in Wuthathi

Stef Barney

Wuthathi Ngaachi (Country) and Karakara (Sea Country) is located in the area surrounding Shelburne Bay on the North Eastern coast of Cape York, about 800km north of Cairns.

It is a place full of incredible cultural significance and biodiversity, and the landscape absolutely takes your breath away. However, unfortunately the beaches are heavily impacted by marine debris from locations far and wide.

Read more “A Record-Breaking Cleanup in Wuthathi”

Exploring the Coral Sea Marine Park: A Voyage to Preserve Island Health and Biodiversity

Stef Barney

Project Coordinator Ian recently joined Parks Australia staff, volunteers, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) field rangers on an exciting 14-day voyage. They embarked on a journey to explore 12 stunning cays and islets located in the central and far eastern regions of the Coral Sea Marine Park (CSMP).

Read more “Exploring the Coral Sea Marine Park: A Voyage to Preserve Island Health and Biodiversity”

Page 1 of 76