Moreton Bay Debris Removal program
Tackled the build-up of debris and litter threatening water quality and marine life across Moreton Bay.
Clearing 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
Several 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.
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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. |
| Related Articles: |
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.
