Marine debris in northern Australia
Tonnes of discarded fishing nets, plastic bottles, rubber footwear and other marine debris is washing up on remote northern Australian beaches every year.
Leatherback turtle caught in a net
© WWF-Canon/Michel GUNTHER
Six of the worlds seven marine turtle species call this region home - they are the green, flatback, olive ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead and leatherback turtles.
Marine debris (listed as a key threatening process by Australia's Federal Government) is impacting upon these turtles and their habitats, for the most part through entanglement in derelict fishing nets.
These nets have been recognised as being particularly destructive, as months or even years after being lost or discarded at sea, they continue to catch, injure and often kill marine wildlife.
What WWF-Australia is doing
We became involved in the marine debris issue in response to the following concerns raised by Aboriginal Traditional Owners in north-east Arnhem Land:
- the amount of debris washing ashore on northern Australia's remote beaches
- the number of stranded marine wildlife found caught in derelict nets - particularly threatened and protected species such as marine turtles, dolphins and whales.
Our field staff saw the need for a hands on, long-term approach to the issue of marine debris, and have been at work in the waters of northern Australia and neighbouring regions since 1999.
We work closely with many partners whose support is critical to achieving improved conservation in the region. Our key partners include:
- Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation;
- Marthakal Homelands Centre;
- Lianthawirriyarra Sea Rangers;
- Anindilyakwa Land Council;
- Umbakumba and Angurugu communities;
- Tiwi Land Council;
- Conservation Volunteers Australia;
- Northern Land Council;
- Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service;
- Northern Territory Government - Fisheries Group;
- Northern Territory Seafood Council;
- commercial fishers;
- Department of Environment and Heritage;
- Key Centre for Tropical Wildlife Management (Charles Darwin University);
- Arafura Timor Seas Expert Forum (ATSEF)
The WWF-Australia Marine Turtle Project is proudly sponsored by a grant from the Tony and Lisette Lewis Foundation through their WildlifeLink program which seeks to support the propagation, preservation and protection of wildlife in Australia, and the conservation of its habitat.
Snapshot of our activities
- We are working with Aboriginal communities, Indigenous Sea Rangers and other partners to survey the amount, type and probable origin of marine debris washing ashore. Survey sites include Cape Arnhem, Groote Eylandt, Elcho Island, Cobourg Peninsula and Bing Bong Port, near Borroloola - 2004 report, 2003 report, 2002 report, interactive debris map.
- We have produced The Net Kit to help identify discarded fishing nets collected during marine debris surveys or found at sea. The Net Kit details net colour, mesh size, twine size and, where possible, the probable country of origin of fishing nets collected in WWF's marine debris surveys.
- We have established the National Marine Debris Database, which contains: results of marine debris surveys by WWF and other groups around Australia; reports of derelict nets found at sea; and, recorded instances of wildlife entanglement.
- We are advocating for marine protected areas (for the conservation and management of marine turtles) by taking part in the Northern Regional Marine Planning process, which forms part of Australia's Oceans Policy.
What you can do to help
- Download a copy of The Net Kit to keep in the car or boat for use on trips to the beach or out on the water.
- Order a copy of the Keeping Tabs on Marine Debris brochure which outlines how to perform a clean up and get down on your local beach (you can send the results to us).
- Register with Conservation Volunteers Australia and come along to one of the annual marine debris surveys on Cape Arnhem.
