Pennefather is renowned for its natural beauty, yet it faces a pressing environmental issue – the accumulation of plastic bottles, thongs, commercial fishing equipment, and oil containers. We are incredibly grateful to the Napranum Traditional Owners’ elders, Nanum Wungthim Land and Sea Rangers , and the wonderful families who invited Tangaroa Blue to support the first-ever Pennefather Marine Debris Research and Plastic Recovery Initiative.
This initiative was supported by Shimano, B&C Plastics, and Fisheries Research Development Corporation (FRDC), providing valuable insights into the management of this environment. In just one day, over 800kg of marine debris was collected, categorised, and documented for subsequent tracing.
The “Squid jig” project, a collaboration with partners, aims to understand why numerous squid jigs end up affecting remote Gulf communities.
Continued efforts will focus on tracking and mitigating the impact of debris on the local communities and their coastal activities. Tangaroa Blue and Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) partners remain committed to making a constructive impact.
Over the span of a week, 4.5 tonnes of debris were removed across approximately 4.5 kilometres of shoreline. This collaboration also contributed valuable data to the AMDI Database, particularly Project #Squidjigs, where 592 squid jigs were found.
Daily sightings included nesting turtles, children spearfishing, diverse birdlife, sharks, and queen fish. Small creatures hidden amidst the debris, such as sand geckos, skinks, spiders, and ants, played their part in Pennefather’s ecosystem.
Acknowledgment goes to Tangaroa Blue’s partners, B and C Plastics, FRDC, and SHIMANO Australia Fishing for their support and participation in the initiative. Gratitude also extends to local businesses and individuals who aided this endeavour.
The Pennefather Marine Debris Recovery Initiative showcases the collective impact of community and partner involvement in addressing environmental issues. It’s a step forward in preserving this unique region for future generations.
