AUSMAP has conducted microplastic surveys around the Top End of the Northern Territory, from the Cox Peninsula to East Arnhem Land. 

 

During 2021, AUSMAP undertook a project to engage and educate local stakeholders in NT, including Indigenous Ranger Groups, local councils, educators, high-school students and community members, in identifying microplastics.

 

The Kenbi Ranger Group on the Cox Peninsula and the Dhimurru Aboriginal Council from East Arnhem Land, undertook training and accreditation to foster a community-focused approach.  Focus areas included the Cox Peninsula, Darwin and around Cape Arnhem which are of high cultural importance and ecologically significant due to their role in providing prime nesting habitats for marine turtles. Caves Beach (Wanuway) recorded an astonishing 961 microplastics per m² denoting the Very High ranking which is almost entirely made up of hard plastic fragments. Shady Beach (Ganarrimirri) was shown to have a Moderate microplastic ranking (<50 mp/m²), while all other sites were found to be Low or Very Low.