Fighting flotsam, jetsam and other marine debris

Reducing marine debris across Torres Strait is the focus of a combined effort by LSMU, Tangaroa Blue, Clean-Up Australia, local governments, and schools. Human-made materials like ropes, plastic bottles and bags, glass and garbage often end up in our oceans where they become a danger to marine wildlife. This includes ghost nets and fishing lines that entangle and kill dugongs, turtles and sea birds, and debris such as plastic bags, that is mistaken by animals as food.

Together, the LSMU and partners work with local Islander communities to raise awareness and reduce the impacts of marine debris by organising beach clean-ups and engaging with schools. These initiatives promote recycling and reusable products and are reducing the flow of waste entering surrounding waters. Marine litter, much of which comes from passing ships or regional mainland neighbours, is regularly collected during coastal clean ups. In a community-driven initiative, residents on the island of Poruma often collect marine debris on their daily morning walk around the island.