Emily Larkin

We’re Hiring! Database Support Officer – Any Location

Emily Larkin

Title: DATABASE SUPPORT OFFICER
Location: Remotely from home, ANY location. FULL TIME

Tangaroa Blue Foundation is an Australia-wide not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the removal and prevention of marine debris: one of the major environmental issues worldwide. We do this by removing what’s already out there, stopping the flow of litter into the ocean and reducing the amount of waste produced.

We created the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) an on-ground network of volunteers, communities, organisations and partners that contribute data on marine debris to the AMDI Database, and then use this data to inform and monitor solutions that stop the flow of litter at its source.

The Database Support Officer role supports the Tangaroa Blue team through data entry, provides data reports, tables and charts for project reporting and assists both internal and external Database users and clients with data entry, vetting and technical support regarding data submissions. 

About the role

You will be responsible for:

  • Data entry and vetting;
  • Producing on-demand data reports and analysis;
  • First tier technical support to internal and external users;
  • Maintaining data system files to ensure data quality and integrity;
  • QGIS mapping file maintenance; and
  • Supporting field-based employees, volunteers and community groups with data entry, debris identification and technical support. 

This is a part-time role, with flexible work location however applicants with at least 4 hours crossover with AEST will be viewed favourably. 

About you

You have a keen interest in environmental stewardship, but more importantly you love analyzing data sets to aid in data-driven decisions to minimise the impact of marine debris on marine and human life across fresh or saltwater country. 

You have at least 12 months of experience in data entry and/or vetting and a keen interest in data and tech support roles. 

You also might have experience in GIS mapping and geospatial database systems, SQL Database queries, and an understanding of ITIL frameworks. 

You must have:

    • Proficiency in Microsoft office, including EXCEL and Access;
    • Proficiency in Google suite applications including Google sheets; and
    • Demonstrated attention to detail, problem-solving and exceptional customer service skills.

How to apply:

Send your cover letter and CV to emily@tangaroablue.org to apply.

Date published: 11-Jan-2022

Emily Larkin

Extreme Marine Debris Mission in WA

Emily Larkin

During December 2021, Tangaroa Blue Foundation Project Coordinator Casey Woodward worked with an incredible team from The Movement South West to retrieve 353 kgs of trawling rope that had washed up and lodged itself in limestone rock on a remote part of beach, south of Injinup Point in Western Australia. It was a huge task to take on and this team did so with enthusiasm and grit. We are very grateful to each volunteer for their efforts. You can watch a fantastic video about the mission below!

Thanks to the Johnson Ohana Foundation for supporting this event and to the talented David Ebbott and Hamish Stubbs for capturing the mission on video!

Emily Larkin

Tyre recycling program risks becoming a micro-pollution disaster

Emily Larkin

A shocking one billion waste tyres are generated worldwide each year. Working out what to do with them is one of the biggest waste challenges we face today.

The Australian government is investing in solutions that shreds tyres into ‘rubber crumb’ to build playground surfaces and infill artificial turf. Unfortunately, this is not the solution it seems.

A new study shows rubber crumb playgrounds release an estimated 1.2 million crumbs on average into the immediate environment, while other research suggests tyre chemicals may have toxic health effects on both marine and human life. Experts warn immediate steps are needed to ensure government-endorsed recycling programs don’t solve a problem, while quietly causing another.

Review the ReefClean AUSMAP Rubber Crumb Loss Assessment Report

Review the Rubber Crumb Impact Report

Take Action:

– Email the Australian Government’s Minister for the Environment at stewardship.list@awe.gov.au requesting a review of federal government funding into the Tyre Stewardship Australia’s rubber crumb recycling program until thorough research into human health and environmental harm has been conducted.

– Send a letter to your local Councillor telling them why they should use organic materials like sand for playgrounds and to infill artificial turf in your local area.

– Take a photo showing any degraded rubber crumb park surfaces in your area and post to @Tangaroa Blue on Facebook or Instagram. Also tag #AMDI and #RubberCrumbFail to showcase how this issue is impacting the environment across Australia.
Theresa Graham

ReefClean Mural at Causeway Lake a success – Fishing Tackle Litter reduced by 80%

Theresa Graham

Capricornia Catchments partnered with Tangaroa Blue through the ReefClean Program along with Livingstone Shire Council to engage local artists Martin Schlick from Mash Designs and emerging artist Rebecca Johnston to create educational murals for the Causeway Lake Buildings.

The murals aim at reducing fishing tackle pollution at Causeway Lake. With help from BirdLife Capricornia, these murals highlight the significant, rare, and sensitive wildlife that relies on the area and the impact litter and fishing tackle litter has on wildlife.

In conjunction with the artwork, several clean-ups in the area were undertaken to collect data and monitor the effectiveness of the mural on users’ litter behaviour.

 

 

 

 

 

Results show that there has been a significant reduction in litter and marine debris volume. Fishing tackle specific litter has reduced by 80% and general litter showed a major decrease of 49% overall.

Capricornia Catchments also received anecdotal feedback from community members saying that they have noticed a positive difference in the cleanliness of the Causeway Lake recreational area.

Overall successful results in reducing litter at the Causeway Lake recreational area through the combination of artwork, collaboration and community involvement. However, ongoing work is still needed in the area.

This project would not have been possible without the ongoing support from Livingstone Shire Council, the Regional Artist Development Fund, Tangaroa Blue Foundation and ReefClean.

ReefClean is funded by the Australian Governments Reef Trust and delivered by Tangaroa Blue Foundation.

Theresa Graham

1669kgs of marine debris removed from Darwin Harbour

Theresa Graham

On a muggy day in October, 154 volunteers from 21 different organisations pitched in to collect 1669kgs of debris from coastal areas around Darwin Harbour, from Wagait to Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Some went on foot, some by boat, and some by jet ski! After a hot morning cleaning up our beaches and waterways, the debris was brought back to Fishermans Wharf to be weighed and sorted by the Larrakia Rangers and Tangaroa Blue.

The majority of the items collected included metal bottle caps, lids and pull-tabs, glass, plastic food packaging, plastic drink bottles and plastic lids, and rubber tyres! 21 rubber tyres alone were collected from the Palmerston Boat Ramp, Indicating potential illegal dumping.

However, the good news is that there was 300 kgs less debris collected compared to last year!

The Darwin Harbour Clean Up is a long running community clean up, currently coordinated by the Larrakia Rangers. The major partners this year included SeaLink, INPEX, Santos, City of Darwin and Territory Natural Resource Management who contributed both funds and volunteers to make the day possible. Other organisations that contributed time and hands included the Amateur Fisherman Association NT, Australian Border Force, Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, NT Fisheries Division, Royal Australian Air Force, Knucky Womens Centre, Belyuen School, Wagait Council, Kenbi Rangers, Northern Territory Parks & Wildlife Service, Clontarf Academy, STARS Foundation, Paspaley, Surf Life Saving NT, Northern Territory Water Police, and Darwin Port Authority.

Tangaroa Blue is happy to continue to support such a great community clean up event!

Photos by Lucyna Kania www.nlwild.com