Plastic pollution along Australia’s coastlines has dropped by more than a third over the last decade, according to research by the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.
Researchers surveyed inland, riverine, and coastal habitats across six metropolitan regions across Australia including Hobart in Tasmania, Newcastle in New South Wales, Perth in Western Australia, Port Augusta in South Australia, Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
Dr Denise Hardesty, senior research scientist from the CSIRO, said with up to 53 million metric tonnes of plastic waste estimated to enter aquatic ecosystems by 2030, it was heartening to see a significant decrease in plastic pollution on Australian beaches and coasts.
“Three-quarters of the rubbish we find on our beaches is plastic, and flexible plastics, such as food packaging, are the most harmful to wildlife,” Dr Hardesty said.
“Along with a 39 per cent reduction in plastic waste in coastal areas, we also saw a 16 per cent increase in areas we surveyed with no plastic debris at all.
“Although there are still areas for concern, it’s exciting to see a significant decrease in plastic pollution as people around the country are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of plastic waste on people, communities and wildlife.”
A total of 8383 debris items were recorded across 1907 surveys within a 100-kilometre radius of each city.
In the maritime sector, there are ongoing efforts to minimise pollution from vessels and ensure appropriate disposal of waste.
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex V (MARPOL Annex V) deals with garbage, and prohibits the discharge of garbage into the sea, and is enforced locally by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Many ports around Australia engage in clean-up community related activities, for example NSW Ports, where each year coordinates a port wide clean up event as part of the Clean Up Australia Day initiative.
