Moreton Bay Debris Removal program

Moreton Bay Debris Removal program

 

Tackled the build-up of debris and litter threatening water quality and marine life across Moreton Bay.

Photo of people after day of debris removal with bags of litter removed from waterwaysClearing marine debris on 150 hectares of Moreton Bay to improve water quality and marine life.

Ocean Crusaders and Healthy Land & Water worked together to tackle the build-up of debris and litter threatening water quality and marine life across Moreton Bay

Rubbish from South East Queensland’s urban areas runs into Moreton Bay from various river systems, particularly the Brisbane River, and accumulates in Moreton Bay’s coastal environments. Once there, the litter smothers vegetation and creates a direct threat to birds and marine wildlife.

Some 150 hectares of the Bay were cleared of marine debris as part of the large-scale program, part of the Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland Project.

The project focused on:

  • Removing marine debris threatening coastal and marine ecosystems and wildlife across Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland.
  • Over 60 tonnes of marine debris will be removed across more than 150 hectares.
  • Preventing litter flowing into the internationally recognised Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland site.

Supported coastal ecosystems and marine life in Moreton Bay.

What we did

Photo of clean up day with the boat and crewSeveral clean-up days were held to raise awareness about the impact of litter and to involve the community in the care of Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetlands.

This five-year program was designed to remove at least 60 tonnes of marine debris from some 150 hectares of Moreton Bay.

The process involved:

  • Working with partners to clean up debris from 71 hectares of marine landscapes at Luggage Point, St Helena Island, and other Moreton Bay Islands.
  • This included the removal of approximately 500 truck tires used to reinforce the banks of St Helena Island that have broken free and now instead of protecting the island, are contaminating it.
  • Supporting Ocean Crusaders to remove this marine debris. Ocean Crusaders are specialised, experienced contractors who have a purpose-built marine craft that enables them to access difficult-to-reach islands and estuaries. They work in small teams to target the most problematic and difficult-to-reach areas.
  • Hosting several community clean-up days, together with Ocean Crusaders, to raise awareness about the impact of litter and to involve the community in the care of the Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland.

 

Measuring success

  • As a result of the program, marine debris from hard-to-reach locations such as islands, estuaries, saltmarsh, and mangrove wetlands, through the use of specialist contractors and purpose-built vessels was removed.
  • The removal of the rubbish helped these environments naturally regenerate and reduce the direct threat the debris poses to native wildlife.

 

Why this project is important

Everything from drink containers and polystyrene packaging to shopping trolleys can flow into the internationally recognised Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland site from Brisbane and surrounding urban areas. This rubbish collects in various coastal and marine environments – like St Helena Island - including beaches, mangroves, saltmarsh, seagrass beds, rocky shores, and bay islands. Once there, it smothers vegetation and presents a direct hazard to wildlife including turtles, dugongs, shorebirds, and other marine animals who swallow or become entangled in the debris.

 
This pollution is also impacting ecosystems and cultural values including mangroves which improve water quality by filtering pollutants, stabilising and improving the soil, and protecting shorelines from erosion.
 
The marine environment also contains significant cultural values such as middens and shell scatters which are present-day connections that demonstrate the thousands of years that Aboriginal people have visited St Helena Island to undertake a wide range of cultural and land management practices.
 
St Helena Island is a heritage-listed island located on the traditional lands of the Quandamooka People. Its surrounding wetlands are also a haven for migratory wading shorebirds. 

 

Project snapshot

Project name:  Moreton Bay Debris Program
Project manage  Karen Toms, Healthy Land & Water
Project Team Chelsea Kluske, Healthy Land & Water
Catchment:  Moreton Bay
Timing: 2020 – 2023
Partnerships  This clean-up program is delivered thanks to funds from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program, in collaboration with Ocean Crusaders.
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What's next

There is huge potential to build on the successful work. Additional funding is required to build on project successes.

Project collaborators

This clean-up program is delivered thanks to funds from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program, in collaboration with Ocean Crusaders.

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