Reef Catchment Communities Unite to Remove 11 Tonnes of Marine Debris
The 2024 ReefClean® Report is here, and it shines a spotlight on the incredible work of our ReefClean community, partners, and team over the past year.
Together, we ran 222 clean-up events — including marine debris monitoring and disaster response activities — alongside 11 educational workshops and 11 new source reduction initiatives.
Pictured: Volunteers sorting debris at a remote clean-up at Chilli Beach.
Diving into the Data
This year’s report offers a comprehensive snapshot of marine debris collected across six Natural Resource Management (NRM) regions and the Torres Strait. It details the types and sources of debris found, as well as the areas with the highest debris densities.
The monitoring program also included microplastic sampling, with 38 AUSMAP microplastic surveys conducted across the NRM regions.
Findings revealed that microplastics were present in 76% of surveyed sites, highlighting their widespread distribution and the importance of ongoing research and mitigation efforts.
Our Biggest Great Barrier Reef Clean-up Yet
A major highlight of 2024 was the Great Barrier Reef Clean-up, and it was our biggest yet! 1,842 volunteers rolled up their sleeves for 147 clean-ups across Queensland. Organised in partnership with Clean Up Australia, this event saw communities come together to remove more than 2400 kg of marine debris, making a significant positive impact on local beaches and reef ecosystems.
A huge thank you to all our clean-up coordinators and volunteers —we can’t wait to see even more people join us for the 2025 GBR Clean-up later this year!
Check out the full report for more interesting facts and figures!
A Big Thank You to our ReefClean Partners!
ReefClean is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and is delivered by Tangaroa Blue Foundation in partnership with:
- AUSMAP
- BehaviourWorks Australia
- Clean Up Australia
- Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation (GMYPPBC)
- Pioneer Catchment Landcare
- Reef Check Australia
- South Cape York Catchments
- Whitsunday Catchment Landcare
- Woppaburra TUMRA
- Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation
