Marine Debris Project Final Report 2014

Some of our major research findings include: The majority of coastal debris in Australia is from Australian sources, not the high seas. Debris isconcentrated near urban centres. Consumer behaviour and illegal dumping are primary causes of marine debris in Australia. Debris has significant impacts on Australian wildlife. Derelict fishing gear has entangled between5,000 and 15,000 turtles within the northern Gulf of Carpentaria region alone. Globally, approximately one third of marine turtles have likely ingested debris. Turtles ingest plasticdebris that resembles their prey. Around the world, nearly half of all seabird species are likely to ingest debris. The greatest numberof seabirds affected globally is in the Tasman Sea, southeast of Australia. Policies can reduce the problem. Incentives are effective: South Australia, which has a containerdeposit scheme, has one third as many beverage containers in its waste. Local initiatives are alsoeffective; prosecution of dumping significantly reduces marine debris along a council’s coastline. Individuals can make a difference! Inspiring and educating the next generation is an excellentmeans of changing human behaviour. For instance, students participating in the program instituteda voluntary deposit scheme for candy wrappers in the school canteen, resulting in a major litteringreduction in their school. These inspiring students and teachers at Emerald Primary School inVictoria are demonstrating simple ways individuals and schools can make a difference (you canread more about their program at http://TeachWild.org.au/ what-is-your-school-doing;http://studentplanetsavers; global2.vic.edu.au/2013/03/05/emerald-primary-container-depositscheme/). Citizen scientist participants can make major contributions to understanding natural systems andenvironmental problems, gathering high quality data in a variety of contexts.20 | Understanding the effects of marine debris on wildlife