Mapoon is situated on the western side of the Gulf of Carpentaria, on the lands and seas of the Tjungundji People, approximately 900km north of Cairns. Mapoon Aboriginal Community is situated on the Southern shores of Port Musgrave which is where the mighty Wenlock River and Ducie Rivers meet and drain into the Indian Ocean.
This area is full of diverse wildlife and is a popular nesting site for Flatback, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill marine turtles and many shorebirds. Unfortunately, these habitats are becoming incredibly affected by marine debris from locations far and wide.
In July, the Tangaroa Blue team were fortunate enough to be involved in cleaning up these beaches with support from Mapoon Land & Sea Rangers, Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation and Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council. Over 5 days, we removed over 3,400 kilograms of debris from Janie Creek and Back Beach.
Notable marine debris finds include:
- 93 kilograms of rope
- 1 large anchor FAD
- 120 kilograms of plastic water bottles
- 1 old Motorola phone
- 5L plastic bottle of unidentified seeds
We are incredibly grateful to our group of volunteers who assisted us so much in the removal of this marine debris. Our remote clean-up events are always hard work, but incredibly rewarding.
This event could not have occurred without the support of the Morris Family Foundation, along with Mapoon Land & Sea Rangers, Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation and Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council.
