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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
Keep an eye on our events calendar for information on our activities.
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.

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

🌊🌿 New and experienced volunteers joined us 🌊🌿 New and experienced volunteers joined us for our latest monthly clean-up at Four Mile Beach in collaboration with @sheratongrandportdouglas

Together, they removed 7.5kg of marine debris from the seemingly clean beach and contributed valuable data to the AMDI Database 📋🙌

"Our monthly clean-ups are not only a great opportunity to help the local environment but also a great way to meet like-minded people." says Project Coordinator Lucy.

Why not join us next month? 📨 Email lucy@tangaroablue.org to register or find out more on our Facebook Events.

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #protectouroceans
What an awesome day we had for the Facing Island B What an awesome day we had for the Facing Island Beach Clean-up ☀️

 24 brilliant beach-lovers joined the #tangaroablue team, removing 457 kg of marine debris! They didn't stop there, they also sorted and entered a massive 66 out of 71 bags into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database 🏆

 The top items collected were:
 🔹 1750 hard plastic remnants
 🔹 1206 Lids
 🔹 180 Soft plastic remnants
 🔹 152 Synthetic rope scraps
 🔹 290 Plastic drink bottles (all but 37 of them were identified as foreign) 

Huge thanks to everyone who joined in and to @gladstoneportscorporation and @curtisferryservices for their support! 💙

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
Have you spotted these on the beach? 👀 At firs Have you spotted these on the beach? 👀

At first glance, they look like small pieces of polystyrene, but these are actually plastic resin pellets (AKA nurdles)!

Poor environmental practices in the plastics industry supply chain mean these small but dangerous microplastics regularly escape into waterways ⚠️

Image: Nurdles found at a recent clean-up at Kangaroo Point 

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
March #ReefClean monitoring stats are in! 📋This March #ReefClean monitoring stats are in! 📋This month, we counted and recorded 15,675 items in the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database, giving us vital insights into what’s washing up and where.

Site standouts:
• Eastern Foreshore (Boyne River, Benaraby) hauled in the heaviest load (154 kg).
• Harbour Beach (Mackay) took the top spot for item count — 4,406 items filled 38 #tangaroablue bags!

In total, we cleared 605 kg of marine debris, including these top offenders 🔍

🪣  Hard plastic remnants – 8,223
🥤 Lids & bottle caps – 2,050
📦 Foam insulation & packaging – 786

We also recorded microplastics for later analysis 🔬

#AMDI #marinedebris #tangaroabluefoundation #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
See the impact of your hard work! 💪🪣Read the See the impact of your hard work! 💪🪣Read the 2024 ReefClean Public Report to see the results for your region 👉 LINK IN BIO

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ReefClean is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and is delivered by Tangaroa Blue Foundation  in partnership with: @ausmap_au, BehaviourWorks Australia, @cleanupaustralia, @gmyppbc , @pioneer_landcare, @reefcheckaustralia, @southcapeyorkcatchments, @whitsundaylandcare, Woppaburra TUMRA, Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
🚨 Reef Communities Unite to Remove 11 Tonnes of 🚨 Reef Communities Unite to Remove 11 Tonnes of Marine Debris! 🚨

The 2024 ReefClean Report is here – showcasing the incredible efforts of our volunteers, partners, and team over the past year. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the ongoing protection of our Reef 🪸

You joined us at over 230 clean-ups and educational initiatives. Together, we assessed microplastics, collected vital data on marine debris, and picked up a whopping 11 tonnes of debris from the beaches! 

👀 Delve into the data across 6 NRM regions 👉 LINK IN BIO

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ReefClean  is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and is delivered by Tangaroa Blue Foundation  in partnership with: @ausmap_au, BehaviourWorks Australia, @cleanupaustralia, @gmyppbc , @pioneer_landcare, @reefcheckaustralia, @southcapeyorkcatchments, @whitsundaylandcare, Woppaburra TUMRA, Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
Are you in the Daintree area next week? Why not co Are you in the Daintree area next week? Why not come volunteer with us and help protect Baku/Cape Kimberley and its wildlife from marine debris? 

Beginners welcome. We provide all the clean-up kit you need.

⛴️ Meet us at the Daintree River Ferry Terminal.
💧 Light lunch and water top-ups provided by @tangaroablue.
😎 Remember sun protection and enclosed shoes.

Book your place or get more info by contacting lucy@tangaroablue.org

What are you waiting for? 🏝️

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
We've had some new followers recently, so we thoug We've had some new followers recently, so we thought we would introduce ourselves 👋

The #ReefClean program started in 2019, now in our 6th year, we're enthusiastic as ever about reducing and preventing marine debris in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. Oh and we love teaching others about it too! 

Whether you're an ocean-loving individual, part of a community group or a school - we've got an opportunity for you to get involved. Get in touch at volunteer@tangaroablue.org

ReefClean is funded by @Reeftrustausgov and is delivered by @TangaroaBlue Foundation.

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @DCCEEW @gbrmarinepark
11 TONNES of marine debris removed in 2024! To all 11 TONNES of marine debris removed in 2024! To all #ReefClean partners and volunteers - you rock 💪

Look out for the full 2024 report coming soon 👀 

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark @ausmap_au @cleanupaustralia @gmyppbc @pioneer_landcare @reefcheckaustralia @southcapeyorkcatchments @whitsundaylandcare
Plastic doesn’t belong in the ocean—but it’s Plastic doesn’t belong in the ocean—but it’s everywhere 💔

Every year, 20 million tonnes of debris enter the environment, devastating marine life (source: IUCN). Entanglement, ingestion, toxic pollution—plastic threatens entire ecosystems.

In 2024 alone, the #AMDI Network removed 2.2 million pieces of marine debris from Australian coastlines 💪

But if all we do is clean-up, that’s all we’ll ever do. 
That’s why we use data to stop plastic at the source. By tracking debris and working with communities and stakeholders, we drive long-term change to protect our seas.

📸 Coral growing on a plastic bottle found on Tangaroa Blue's recent clean-up at Indian Heads. 
#marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
After a week of rain, the skies cleared just in ti After a week of rain, the skies cleared just in time for our April clean-up at Bustard Bay with @1770larc Tours ☀️🕶️

With 20 passionate volunteers, we collected 19 bags of debris (157kg total), everything from drink bottles to an old tyre buried deep in the sand. 

Afterwards, we gathered at Traveller's Rest camping area to sort the debris for the #AMDI Database. A special thanks to our Tangaroa Blue Ambassador, Elijah, the team at @1770larc and all the volunteers who helped make this event a success!

#marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark @elijahsworldqld
Did you know 35 major catchment areas drain into t Did you know 35 major catchment areas drain into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon? 

🌱 🪣 These river systems carry freshwater, sediments, nutrients, and, unfortunately, pollutants and debris directly into the reef.

Even if you can’t make it to a coastal clean-up, you can make a difference by preventing debris from entering any waterway. Every action counts - not just for your local environment but for the Great Barrier Reef and beyond!

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
📍 Another successful clean-up aboard the Cossac 📍 Another successful clean-up aboard the Cossack Pearl! This time, the #ReefClean team tackled two of three islands in the Three Island Group National Park, removing 635.7kg of debris! 🌴

Despite their remoteness, these islands are constantly inundated with marine debris drifting in from shipping lanes, fishing activities, and ocean currents. Among the debris was:

🔹150 rubber thongs
🔹134 plastic drink bottles
🔹129 polystyrene pieces
🔹101 hard plastic pieces

Coordinator Shannon was determined to clear a large tangled rope (pictured), going back with the boat crew to get it done!

Incredible moments with sightings of sharks, turtles and crocodile tracks made this clean-up even more rewarding. 🌊

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark @auswasteenvironmentalservices
The #ReefClean team had the pleasure of speaking a The #ReefClean team had the pleasure of speaking at Nautilus Scuba Club’s monthly BBQ! 🤿🦈 

It was great to connect with passionate divers, share our work, and spark conversations about protecting our marine environments. The club’s enthusiasm for conservation was truly inspiring. nautilusscubaclubcairns, we can't wait to see the impact of your upcoming initiatives. 💙

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
🌊 Join us on April 23rd for the Facing Island C 🌊 Join us on April 23rd for the Facing Island Community Beach Clean-up, helping to protect vital marine habitats!

📍 Meet at Curtis Ferry Services, Gladstone Marina – 7:30 am
 🚜 Got a 4WD? We’ll cover your barge transfer!
 📊 Marine debris collected goes into the AMDI Database to help prevent future pollution.
 🍽️ Lunch provided! Just bring sun/rain protection & a refillable water bottle.
 
Facing Island is home to flatback turtles, and important wetland and mangrove systems— will you help keep this beautiful island clean?

To register, email monique@tangaroablue.org
Visit #ReefClean Facebook Events for more info - LINK IN BIO

Big thanks to @curtisferryservices & @gladstoneportscorporation for their support!

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
Four nights aboard the Cossack Pearl, three days o Four nights aboard the Cossack Pearl, three days of clean-ups, and six unstoppable members of the Tangaroa Blue team taking on three remote islands in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

📍Our first stop? Low Wooded Island, north of Cooktown, a critical bird nesting habitat. Working across 3.5km of coastline, we cleared 721.6kg of debris and logged 3,804 items into the AMDI Database!

Some of the biggest finds:
⚓ A 30m (300kg) mooring line, half-buried in the sand
🎣 Fishing floats, buoys & a massive bamboo raft (FAD)
🩴 211 thongs, 286 plastic drink bottles and 891 plastic lids
🌱 Plastics, foam, glass, and rope were the top materials 

Access to these areas can be challenging, but thanks to the Cossack Pearl crew's support and assistance, we got it done! And thanks to Auswaste FNQ for providing skip bins for debris disposal.

And we're not finished yet; stay tuned for more clean-up updates from our trip! 

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark @auswasteenvironmentalservices
Who needs enemies when you have friends like Carme Who needs enemies when you have friends like Carmen? While housesitting for coordinator Ian on Facing Island, our amazing volunteer Carmen took on an extra mission—collecting marine debris! She rolled in with her ute loaded with 34 bags of debris weighing a whopping 318.3kg.

As if that wasn’t enough, Carmen has already sorted everything for easy counting and entry into the AMDI Database. So far, we’ve logged:
🔹 530+ plastic packaging containers 
🔹 650 plastic lids
🔹 134 thongs
🔹 2,340 hard plastic remnants
🔹 And still, 12 more bags to count!

This is the same area we clean every six months with the support of @GladstonePortsCorporation—and we’re heading back again on April 23rd! A huge shoutout to Carmen for going above and beyond—you’re an absolute legend! 💙♻️

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
Just 20km south of Australia’s northernmost tip, Just 20km south of Australia’s northernmost tip, Fly Point Beach may be small—less than 200m long—but it tells a big story about marine pollution. This remote stretch of coast is our northernmost monitoring site, and with the help of the incredible Apudthama Rangers, we track the debris that washes ashore.

We were relieved to find 'only' 40kg of debris (a drop from the usual 100 kg+), but the plastic problem remains. We still collected over 1,000 pieces of degraded, broken plastic—fragments of debris that never truly disappear.

A huge thanks to the rangers for their dedication to protecting this coastline. Monitoring these remote areas is tough, but it’s crucial for understanding how far marine debris travels and how we can fight it.

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
In February, @tangaroablue, Sarina Landcare Catchm In February, @tangaroablue, Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Assoc., @pioneer_landcare, Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation and @qldparks got together to set up valuable marine debris monitoring sites at Cape Palmerston. 

This long and wide beach acts as a net, capturing thousands of pieces of marine debris washing in from all directions. We removed over 80 kg of debris in a few short hours, with hard plastic remnants and plastic bottle lids being the most common items found. 

💡We set up these monitoring sites to investigate marine debris trends over time, recording data on the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database. 

We can’t wait to head back for our next round of monitoring to continue to clean-up this beautiful stretch of coast! 🌏

------

This ReefClean monitoring is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and delivered by Tangaroa Blue in partnership with Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association, Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service and Yuwi Land and Sea Rangers.

This event is also part of Sarina Landcare’s Cape Palmerston Clean-up Initiative: Community marine debris collection and monitoring project that has received funding support from the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action grant program. 

#QWALC #SLCMA #QueenslandEnvironment #QLDscience #QldParks #AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
Did you know we collect microplastic samples as pa Did you know we collect microplastic samples as part of our quarterly marine debris monitoring?

Coordinators Lucy and Tilly have been down at Four Mile to monitor the beach and recorded 4.3 kgs of marine debris 🪣 

🔬 They also found microplastics in each of the four @ausmap_au sampling quadrants (7 microplastics: 1 foam and 6 hard plastics).

#AMDI #marinedebris #Tangaroablue #tangaroabluefoundation #reefclean #ReefTrust #Reef2050 #GreatBarrierReef @Reeftrustausgov @DCCEEW @TangaroaBlue @gbrmarinepark
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