A year on and it’s time to clear, sort, and record the plastic pollution caught in the 15 litter traps that have been placed in the waters as part of the Whitsunday Gross Pollutant Trap project.
An initiative between the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership (HR2RP) and the Coral Sea Academy, the project involves the catching, sorting, and recording details of litter and pollution gathered in the 15 traps, detailing each piece into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database, for ongoing research and to aid reduction programs.
Since early 2022, when the traps were first placed, over 8,000 pieces of litter have been collected, and volunteers are urged to step forward for the next community litter audit, next Saturday, 29 April
“The information we gather from the community litter audits will help inform plans to reduce litter in the first place, so it’s a great way to get involved and keep our region’s waterways healthy,” HR2RP Community Engagement Officer, Rebekah Smith said.
This two-year project, set to complete in early 2024, will inform pollution reduction programs, as well as keep local beaches clean.
Edutourism has seen a rise in popularity, with pollution, conservation, and education becoming more prevalent in tourist experiences.
“The purpose of the Coral Sea Academy is to provide the opportunity for events such as these to engage with guests on themes that are relevant to the Whitsundays,” said Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina.
“These community litter audits are certainly a great way in which any individual can help towards this goal.”
The next community audit needs your help. Photo supplied
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