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  • Home
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  • AMDI
    • About AMDI
    • AMDI Database
    • AMDI Monitoring Methodology
    • AMDI Insights
  • Projects
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    • ReefClean
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    • Operation Clean Sweep
    • Project ReCon
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    • Source Reduction Plans
  • Get Involved
    • Great Barrier Reef Clean-up 2025
    • Register for the 2025 WA Beach Clean-up
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    • Data Collection
    • School Collaboration
    • Donate
  • Resources
    • Resources & Fact Sheets
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Reefclean®

Removing and preventing marine debris in the Great Barrier Reef region.

reefClean.landscape.logo.CMYK

ReefClean is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and is delivered by Tangaroa Blue Foundation in partnership with a variety of organizations. Launched in early 2019, the project aims to remove and prevent marine debris in the Great Barrier Reef region.

A program of targeted and integrated marine debris activities, ReefClean has reduced the volume of debris generated in or entering the Great Barrier Reef that may impact threatened and migratory species and ecosystems. It has also increased awareness in Reef catchment communities about marine debris and actions they can undertake to prevent litter from entering Reef waterways.

 

This has occurred through:

  • Community clean-up events
  • Site monitoring
  • The Great Barrier Reef Clean-up event annually in October
  • Community Source Reduction Plan Workshops
  • School and community engagement activities
  • Data analysis
  • Disaster management clean-ups
  • Microplastics surveys
VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Tangaroa Blue Foundation acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Great Barrier Reef and their strong and continuing connections to Country.

Protect the Reef this October
Sign up for the Great Barrier Reef Clean-up!
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Join the Great Barrier Reef Clean-up
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Join the Great Barrier Reef Clean-up
Sign up to Protect the Reef this October!
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Join the Great Barrier Reef Clean-up
Sign up to Protect the Reef this October!
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2024 - Today

In 2024, the ReefClean program received funding from the Federal Government’s Reef Trust for a further three year program. This program builds on and complements the initial program as well as existing programs and activities operating across the Great Barrier Reef and its catchment.

 

The 2024 – 2027 program aims to:

 

  • reduce the volume of debris generated in or entering the Great Barrier Reef, which may impact listed threatened and migratory species, such as dugongs and turtles, and the Reef’s ecosystems.
  • Increase awareness in Reef catchment communities about the issue of marine debris and actions they can take.
  • Embrace the circular economy principles to divert marine debris into ReefCycle and Rig Recycle programs.
  • Provide an integrated framework for addressing marine debris that connects all relevant stakeholders and provides scalable resources, case studies, and solutions.

2019 - 2023

The initial five year program funded by the Federal Government’s Reef Trust, started in 2019. The project aimed to remove and prevent marine debris in the Great Barrier Reef region through to 2023.

 

To do this, Tangaroa Blue Foundation partnered with several organisations to achieve success: Reef Check Australia, Capricornia Catchments, Eco Barge Clean Seas, OceanWatch Australia, South Cape York Catchments and AUSMAP.

 

The initial ReefClean program was delivered by Tangaroa Blue Foundation and more than 400 stakeholders from 2019-2023.

ReefClean® Partners

Check out ReefClean on Instagram

Can you guess how many bottle caps are in the bags Can you guess how many bottle caps are in the bags? 🧐

Our team collected 2 full bags of foreign lids, along with several other interesting items from the Chilli Beach clean-up!

Let us know your guess in the comments ⬇️ 

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
Exciting news... The 10th Annual Wet Tropics Water Exciting news... The 10th Annual Wet Tropics Waterway Health Report Card is here! 

@tangaroablue and the ReefClean team were thrilled to join our incredible partners for this milestone launch. This initiative plays a vital role in the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, promoting a healthier Great Barrier Reef through collaborative action 🐠♻️

Since the first report card in 2015, we've come a long way, bridging significant knowledge gaps and establishing long-term monitoring programs. With over 50 organisations, including Traditional Owners, scientists, and volunteers, we are reminded that protecting our natural treasures truly takes teamwork. Far North Queensland is lucky to have such a passionate community dedicated to leaving a healthy legacy for future generations! 

Grab your copy at your local cafe, or dive into the full results - LINK IN BIO 📖

#wtwreportcard2025 #wettropicswaterways #AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
A big round of applause to the Year 6 Global Gladi A big round of applause to the Year 6 Global Gladiators from St Benedict's Catholic School for hosting their own Ecofest! 

They showcased their creativity and commitment to sustainability with hands-on stalls that engaged younger students from Prep to Year 5 👣
Tangaroa Blue Foundation Project Coordinator, Matt, was very impressed with the insightful questions from our young eco-warriors about #marinedebris! 

A big thank you to Lizzy Christie, Environmental Coordinator, for organising such an impactful day 🙌

#AMDI #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
We’ve arrived with @RigRecycle at the Stonka Fis We’ve arrived with @RigRecycle at the Stonka Fishing Challenge at Hydeaway Bay (Whitsundays).

From today until Sunday, you can find #RigRecycle stations on site - as an easy way to recycle your used and unwanted fishing gear!

We’re stoked to be here spreading the word about how rec fishers can look after their fishing spots and the environment. If you’re at the Challenge, come on down and see us.

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
Double clean-up day in Yarrabah! Earlier in July Double clean-up day in Yarrabah! 

Earlier in July, we worked with the Gunggandji Aboriginal Corporation Junior Rangers to remove 16.85 kg of debris from Wungu Beach and 20.95 kg from Mission Bay 💪

The Junior Rangers also dived into debris sorting and learned how to categorise it for the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (#AMDI) Database 📋

Awesome work from everyone involved!

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark @gmyppbc
480 kgs of debris removed from Baku (Cape Kimberle 480 kgs of debris removed from Baku (Cape Kimberley) in one day 🤯

Our team partnered with the @jabalbinaofficial Rangers for our community clean-up in the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. With the incredible work of our volunteers, 84% of the debris collected was recorded in the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (#AMDI) Database!

Interesting items: a fibreglass boat keel, 10m mooring line, and 37 ballast bricks 🚤
Big thanks to @douglasshirecouncil for your support! We can't wait to be back in October. 

#marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
A big shoutout to our Chilli Beach Clean-up studen A big shoutout to our Chilli Beach Clean-up student helpers from Lockhart, who did a brilliant job protecting this beautiful beach from marine debris!

We were joined by:
🙌Year 4/5B students (who collected 20 bags weighing 95.5kg)
🙌Year 6S plus secondary students (collecting 17 bags weighing 96.1 kg) 
🙌Year 4/5M (who collected 11 bags weighing 53.3kg in very wet conditions)

What a fantastic 3 days! With their help, we have so far collected a total of 349 bags weighing 1,816 kg! All of this has been sorted to recycle what we can.

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
At the weekend, we joined @healthy_waters_partners At the weekend, we joined @healthy_waters_partnership and the community for a fun, family-friendly event celebrating the launch of the 2025 Waterways Report Card. The afternoon highlighted ways we can all support healthy rivers, creeks & coasts 💧

Set against the stunning Strand Ephemera exhibition, with nearly 30 living seaside sculptures, this year’s theme, ‘Trace-less’ reminded us to leave a lighter footprint on our environment. 

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue
As the Chilli Beach crew head out early for anothe As the Chilli Beach crew head out early for another day of clearing marine debris, we're happy to report that so far they've cleaned-up more than 880 kgs!

Looks like the day for hitting the 1 tonne mark 💪

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
A big day for the Chilli Beach clean-up crew, star A big day for the Chilli Beach clean-up crew, starting with a very passionate Welcome to Country on a lovely bright morning, which quickly turned pretty wet 🌧️

Students from Lockhart River arrived along with the Kuuku Ya'u Rangers for a beach clean-up. The weather didn't deter them from collecting a fantastic 11 bags of debris in very short time (53 Kgs)!

"All came back like drowned rats and then we huddled under the gazebo for a very welcome BBQ lunch!" Project Coordinator Ian.

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
A Bottle Cap Beach? 😱 What started as a standa A Bottle Cap Beach? 😱

What started as a standard clean-up took a turn when the Chilli Beach crew came across a plastic-ridden stretch of beach. It took 2 hours to clean-up just 100 metres! 

The team collected 40 bags of small plastic debris and bottle caps, which are yet to be weighed ⚖️
Stay tuned to see what the Chilli Beach team finds next! 

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
An update from Cape York ⬇️ The team has arri An update from Cape York ⬇️

The team has arrived and set up camp at Chilli Beach 🏕️ Off to a great start, they've already completed Zone 1 monitoring - go team! 

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
The team are on route to Chilli Beach! 🚐🌴 T The team are on route to Chilli Beach! 🚐🌴

They've had a couple of big days, squeezing all the equipment onto the ute and making their way from Cairns to Cape York. 

Even before reaching Chilli Beach, the crew managed to find debris to clean-up - retrieving a tow strap from Pascoe River! 

We're excited to see how much marine debris the team hauls out over the next week 💪

#capeyork #chillibeach #chilibeach #AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
Shoutout to the @reefcheckaustralia team for anoth Shoutout to the @reefcheckaustralia team for another exceptional #ReefClean land & sea clean-up, on Hook Island in the Whitsundays! 

Only one piece of #marinedebris was reported by the snorkel crew 🐚
However, the debris collected from the shore included bottle tops, a sock, and various plastic remnants.

This area in Luncheon Bay is home to stunning reefs and diverse fish life 🐠 Let's keep these precious places clean!

Special thanks to John at @whitsundayparadiseexplorer for getting the crew to the site.

#AMDI #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
Gather your crew, we'll provide the kit! 🎉 We' Gather your crew, we'll provide the kit! 🎉

We've got you! Register a clean-up in October as part of #GBRCU25, and we'll send you a free clean-up kit and resources to make your event a success. 

What are you waiting for 👉 Click the link in our bio http://www.reefclean.org

#GBRCU25 is run by Tangaroa Blue Foundation’s @ReefClean program in collaboration with @cleanupaustralia 

#ProtectTheReef #beachcleanup #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #reefclean #ReefTrust #GreatBarrierReef  @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
The @reefcheckaustralia team recently cleaned-up o The @reefcheckaustralia team recently cleaned-up over 500 pieces of marine debris on Magnetic Island! 

Dedicated volunteers undertook a land and snorkel clean-up, collecting hard plastic, glass, and food packaging from the beach, along with soft and hard plastics directly from the reef 🐠 

They also recorded what they found on the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (#AMDI) Database 🙌

We acknowledge the Wulgurukaba people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea Country where these activities took place.

#marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
32kg of plastic collected at Waite Bay! The @ree 32kg of plastic collected at Waite Bay! 

The @reefcheckaustralia team returned to Haslewood Island, 1 year after the last #ReefClean visit 👣 Substantial debris was found on the beach (3,000+ items) including a LOT of bottle tops and toothbrushes. 
Despite time & tide constraints, a visible difference was made! 🌊

Special thanks to John at @whitsundayparadiseexplorer for getting the crew to the site. We acknowledge the Ngaro people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea Country where these surveys were conducted.

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
It's clean-up time! ⏰The brilliant @reefcheckaus It's clean-up time! ⏰The brilliant @reefcheckaustralia team have been conducting #ReefClean monitoring at Norval Beach, Yandaran Creek, Burnett River, and Nielsons Beach!

Unfortunately, these serene locations are affected by discarded fishing lines and litter, such as wrappers and cigarette butts 🚬

Hats off to the Yandaran locals for implementing their own initiative - a cigarette disposal bin at the entrance to the site!

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
Yesterday, Project Coordinator Lucy joined the @Wi Yesterday, Project Coordinator Lucy joined the @WildlifeHabitat Community Day, set amongst the wildlife park in Port Douglas. 

What a great day, promoting environmental organisations in Far North Queensland and educating the many kids in attendance on the importance of looking after our environment. 💙

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
📢 @tangaroablue and #ReefClean are looking for 📢 @tangaroablue and #ReefClean are looking for a new project coordinator based in Gladstone! 

Are you passionate about protecting the Great Barrier Reef and want to make a real impact? We're searching for a new casual or part-time coordinator to help drive community engagement and science-based solutions to tackle marine debris.

Applications close: 11:59pm on Thursday 24th July
Find out more 👉 Link in Bio

#job #hiring #environmentjob #qld #AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation
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ReefClean News

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ReefClean Program Extended to 2027!

The DCCEEW announced that Tangaroa Blue Foundation, along with ReefClean partners, were...
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First ‘Project ReCon’ Ghost Gear Captured

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A Record-Breaking Cleanup in Wuthathi

Wuthathi Ngaachi (Country) and Karakara (Sea Country) is located in the area...
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Microplastic Study Reveals Insights and Calls for Continued Monitoring

The five-year ReefClean Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP)(2019-2023) has collected 126 samples...
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Alternatives to Balloons: A Real Reason to Celebrate!

Releasing balloons may seem like a harmless and fun way to celebrate,...
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Rubber Crumb Loss from GBR Play Areas

Many play areas have soft fall surfaces made of recycled rubber tyres...
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Life’s a beach: finding trends in marine debris across Australia.

A study led by UNSW Science has filtered and analysed 10 years...
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Rig Recycle is Here!

The Tangaroa Blue Foundation, as part of the ReefClean program, has launched...
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Tackling Bait Bags and Light Sticks

Tangaroa Blue Foundation has been working with Oceanwatch Australia to develop two...
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