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:
Supported coastal ecosystems and marine life in Moreton Bay.
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:
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 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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There is huge potential to build on the successful work. Additional funding is required to build on project successes.
This clean-up program is delivered thanks to funds from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program, in collaboration with Ocean Crusaders.