Over four days, the team worked to remove more than 620kg of marine debris from a 10km stretch of coastline between Gum Tree Bay and South Beach. The debris collected ranged from five-cent sized microplastics and fishing rope to large pallets and other washed-up waste.   

As part of the program, the coastline was divided into 1km transects to establish a network of survey sites. The sites will enable annual monitoring, classification and comparison of marine debris, helping to identify pollution sources, track trends and inform future prevention and management efforts.  

DBCA Turquoise Coast District Manager Chris Stewart said the volume of debris collected demonstrated the importance of ongoing monitoring and working together with joint management partners.    

“Marine debris continues to threaten wildlife through entanglement, entrapment, and ingestion,” Mr Stewart said.  

“Removing more than 620kg of marine debris from 10km of coastline over four days highlights the scale of the challenge facing our marine and coastal environments.    

“By returning each year, we aim to track changes in debris trends, strengthen community involvement and safeguard the coastline and cultural values that make Dongara unique.   

“We also thank the Dongara Denison Surf Lifesaving Club for providing us access to their sheds to enable us to sort and classify the rubbish.”   

How you can help!  

• Take only photos, leave only footprints – remember to always take your rubbish with you when leaving the beach.   

• Take 3 for the Sea – Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when leaving the beach. A small act can make a big difference.   

• Reduce your single use plastic at home – Don’t forget your keep cup for your morning coffee.   

• Get involved – Tangaroa Blue holds regular beach clean-up events. Visit www.tangaroablue.org.