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VITORIA

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AUSMAP VICTORIA

THE VICTORIAN STOR


Sampling has been undertaken at fifteen sites across Victoria ranging from its busiest Port to the small unique sands of Mud Island, Port Phillip Bay. In 2022, sampling focused at Port Melbourne Beach near the Melbourne CBD to monitor plastic concentrations in an urban context. Samples collected with corporate volunteers through the ANZ Green Ambassador Program have shown results ranging from as little as four microplastics per m2 (Very Low) to 528 microplastics per m2 (High). Proximity to the stormwater outlet was the greatest predictor of microplastic loads on Port Melbourne Beach, relating directly to urban influences following heavy rain events that flush microplastics down stormwater drains and directly onto the beach.

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Change in microplastic loads at
Manly Cove (2018-2024)

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WHat we find

AUSMAP microplastic samples are analysied by classification of the type of microplastics found. Microplastic type identification allows understanding of potential sources of microplastic pollution.

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AUSMAP defines microplastic types as “Hard Fragments”, “Foam”, “Fibre”, “Pellet”, “Film”, Synthetic Grass” and “other”. The categorisation of such types are determined through a manual, visual identification process.

What are the trends?

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Manly Cove data break down

Urgent Action is needed.

AUSMAP’s data on Manly Cove exemplifies the wider issue of plastic pollution and underscore the need for targeted actions and policies to address the root causes of microplastic pollution. Once microplastics enter the ocean, they are exceedingly difficult to remove, making prevention at the source the most effective solution. Stronger regulatory protections, coupled with efforts to reduce plastic use and improve waste handling, are essential to protect marine ecosystems and mitigate the long-term impacts of plastic pollution.

Ocean

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