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AUSMAP's shoreline monitoring provides some of the first site-specific evidence of synthetic grass fibres accumulating in Metropolitan Sydney waterways.  Synthetic grass installations are now commonplace across Australia, appearing everywhere from community and elite sports fields to school playgrounds, party boats, residential yards and public landscaping . These surfaces have been associated with a range of concerns, including surface temperatures reaching up to 75 °C  on hot days, increased player injury risk, reduced biodiversity, and intensified urban heat , particularly in Sydney's Western Suburbs. This increasingly popular plastic product has the potential to release microplastics into surrounding drains, parks, and waterways, contributing to a growing and largely unmanaged source of urban plastic pollution.  Artificial greenery, including synthetic grass observed along tide line of Manly Cove, Sydney - May 2025 Shoreline surveys by AUSMAP demonstrate the presence of synthetic grass fibres in Metropolitan Sydney waterways dating back to 2019. How do synthetic fibres enter the environment? Synthetic grass microplastic fibres are released from their source, such as sporting fields, residential yards, playgrounds, and landscaped areas, through everyday wear, weathering and maintenance activities. Once mobilised, these fibres can enter the surrounding environment via the stormwater network. There, they persist in sediments and along shorelines, where they can act as sponges for other environmental pollutants and be ingested by wildlife. Importantly, this demonstrates that synthetic grass materials are not confined to their points of installation but are dispersed into the wider urban environment. How much synthetic grass has AUSMAP found? Recent AUSMAP data show that synthetic grass fragments are becoming increasingly common in Sydney’s waterways. At regularly monitored locations, such as Rose Bay in Sydney Harbour, synthetic grass debris has increased approximately tenfold between 2022 and 2025 , reaching over 20 blades per square metre. Similarly, at Manly Cove, synthetic grass fragments were first detected in 2019, and concentrations have since tripled , despite natural year-to-year fluctuations. The highest average concentration recorded to date was at Tower Beach (Gamay/Botany Bay), where up to 2,500 blades per m²  were recorded in 2024. Local stormwater inputs, rainfall patterns, and nearby synthetic grass fields in the Botany Bay region likely contribute to the high and variable amounts seen at this site. We need action to prevent further loss into our environment. Microplastic synthetic grass blades at Bondi Beach We are calling for: A 5-year moratorium on new planning and approvals for synthetic grass fields until further research and information on potential human and environmental harm from these fields is clarified. Enforcement of Australian Standards for pollution mitigation measures on synthetic grass fields and more detailed guidelines for field management to be implemented on all existing synthetic fields as soon as possible. Invest substantial effort into improving drainage and the condition of natural grass fields to avoid synthetic grass. Local governments to provide a truly balanced cost-benefit analysis at the end-of-life of synthetic fields compared to those of natural turf. Do you want to learn more about synthetic turf? You can read about the rest of our work on synthetic grass and rubber crumb here , including a deep dive into quantifying how much rubber crumb is coming off synthetic playground flooring. Hosted by AUSMAP and Seabin Foundation , our Beyond the Surface event dove into the impacts of synthetic grass on our environment - followed by an expert panel. Watch the presentation here: Join us in our call for action? Send a letter to your local MP using our easy-to-use template!

“Getting to the UN treaty table takes years of research, data, and community action — and staying there takes ongoing support. We’ve made it this far, and with your help, we can turn this treaty into real change.”  — Dr Scott Wilson, AUSMAP Research Director AUSMAP at the Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations in Geneva Dr Scott on the second row behind the #BreakFreeFromPlastic banner | Photo credit: Trixie Guerrero From 05 to 14 August 2025,189 nations and more than 650 observer groups — from NGOs to scientists to industry lobbyists — gathered in Geneva for the latest round of talks on the Global Plastics Treaty 2025 . This treaty seeks to be the first legally binding global agreement to end plastic pollution. For AUSMAP, this moment is the result of years of citizen science, mapping microplastics across Australia, and pushing our government to take action. Now, we’re bringing that data to the world stage. But after days of tense talks, the negotiations ended in stalemate . The sticking point? Whether to include a binding cap on single-use plastic production  — the very source of the problem. Other issues that remain unresolved include how to address plastic pollution across its entire life cycle and whether to tackle human health impacts and harmful chemicals in plastics. Before Geneva — The Work to Get tHere Our journey started on Australia’s shorelines. Volunteers, schools, and communities have been collecting sediment samples for over eight years. That evidence built the Australian Microplastic Pollution Hotspot Map  — showing that tiny plastic fragments are everywhere, from remote beaches to urban harbours. That map has already influenced state and national policies and scientific research. Without citizen science and robust data, we wouldn’t have a voice in Geneva. At the Negotiations — AUSMAP Driving Change at the Global Plastics Treaty 2025 Inside the UN, three big questions dominated debate: Plastic production caps  — Will the world agree to reduce plastics at the source? Full life-cycle accountability  — From production and chemicals to disposal and waste. Monitoring and enforcement  — Ensuring commitments are more than words. Australia stood firm as part of the High Ambition Coalition  of 120+ nations, pushing for binding rules on plastic production and chemical additives. This group of high ambition nations support a full lifecycle approach to plastics, from production to waste, climate and health impacts.  But opposition came from oil and plastic giants — including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, China, and the United States — who resisted any cap on production, and insisted on focusing on downstream management, like recycling, which we know is not the solution. Meanwhile, industry lobbyists were everywhere. More than 230 lobbyists , mostly from oil, gas, and plastics, had direct access to negotiations — some embedded within national delegations. Their influence was clear: stall, weaken, delay. From AUSMAP’s side, Dr Scott worked with Pacific Island nations, NGOs, and scientists to ensure microplastics are recognised as a life-cycle issue , not just a waste problem. We’ve been making the case that science and monitoring must be central if the treaty is to succeed. Dr Scott outside the Plastic Treaty Negotiations in Geneva - AUSMAP driving change at the Global Plastics Treaty 2025. After the Treaty — What’s Next The reality is clear: a treaty without a production cap is a weak treaty . If necessary, high ambition nations must move ahead together, even without consensus from petrochemical states. We call on the Australian Federal Government to do so, and to do so fast. Australia’s Environment Minister Murray Watt confirmed he is disappointed no agreement was secured, but reinforcing " Australia was never going to accept a bad deal for our environment " . Australia stood strong as part of the High Ambition Coalition, pushing for binding rules to limit problematic plastics and harmful chemicals.  We still have a big job at home:  Australia continues to be the second-largest consumer of single-use plastics in the world, and we can’t recycle our way out of this crisis. We call for: Strong packaging regulations that cut single-use plastics, scales up a circular economy, not just focusing on recycling; Rules that make producers responsible for plastics across their full lifecycle; and Monitoring and enforcement systems powered by science and citizen data . The good news? More than 80% of Australians support strong packaging laws . Now it’s time to deliver. We still have a big job at home — Australia must now turn treaty promises into strong national action to reduce plastic pollution. How You Can Be Part of This Every shoreline survey, every data set, and every intervention at the Global Plastics Treaty is only possible because of people like you. You can: Donate today to ensure we can keep monitoring our shorelines for microplastic pollution and informing the state, national and international community of our results Share this message with your community Collect a microplastic sample along your local shoreline , if you have been AUSMAP trained. “Plastic pollution is everywhere, but once we make it visible, change becomes possible. The Global Plastics Treaty is a huge step forward — but only if we make sure the promises are kept. That means more science, more advocacy, and more people like you standing with us.” — Dr Scott Wilson, AUSMAP Research Director Dr Scott Wilson representing AUSMAP at the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations _________________ To learn more about AUSMAP’s work and how you can help, visit AUSMAP’s website  or follow us on social media. AUSMAP's work is entirely grant and donation funded - donate here and help us continue the longest running microplastic dataset. Our data helps put microplastics on the map, contributing to real-life science and policy change.

A Spotlight on the next generation of ocean advocates. This is our first instalment of next wave - stories from the next generation of youth ocean ambassadors. In this edition, we are introducing our first Next Wave Youth Advocate, Christina Ding. Christina is a Year 10 student at Methodist Ladies’ College in Melbourne. Passionate about protecting the planet, she became more aware of environmental issues like plastic pollution and climate change during her school’s month-long outdoor program, Marshmead. She enjoys exploring nature and sharing its beauty through drone videography and photography, using her voice to inspire others to take action. Vol 1. How students can help tackle plastic pollution World Environment Day 2025 By Christina Ding Drone photo by Christina Ding Each year, World Environment Day shines a spotlight on a critical issue threatening our planet. This year’s theme—plastic pollution—is one many of us are already familiar with, especially at school. Whether it’s through clubs, classes, or projects, we’ve probably all heard about the dangers of plastic. But now, just after World Environment Day, it’s crucial we do more than simply remember its message. Awareness isn’t enough—we need action. Right now, the world generates over 400 million tonnes of plastic every year. Around 8 million tonnes end up in the oceans—equivalent to the weight of 2 million elephants. In Australia alone, around 100,000 marine animals — including sea turtles, seabirds, whales, and dolphins — are killed by plastic pollution each year, with many more decomposing unseen on the ocean floor . And beyond directly harming wildlife, plastic fuels climate change through greenhouse gas emissions from oil extraction and processing. It all feels overwhelming—but here’s the good news: Students can help more than you might think. By making small changes in our daily lives and encouraging others to do the same, we can make a real impact. So, what are some simple actions that we can all take? Reduce Plastic Use Source: Natalia Klenova Reducing plastic use is one of the most effective things we can do. And it doesn’t mean turning your life upside down—it’s about small, conscious choices. Swap glad wrap for reusable containers when packing your lunch Say no to disposable cutlery, straws, coffee cups—bring your own metal straw and keep-cup Ditch bottled water and use a reusable water bottle Reuse Creatively Source: Yvonne Lebens from Getty Images Reusing plastic doesn’t have to be boring. It can be creative and fun! You can make crafts and household items from used plastic, such as bottle cap mosaics, toy cars, or homemade organisers.  Recycle Responsibly Source: @photoimages on Canva Right now, plastic is such a ubiquitous presence in our lives that it isn’t possible to avoid it completely. This brings us to recycling—to give your plastic waste a new life.  It is important to make a conscious decision of choosing the correct bin for your waste. If you’re unsure, check the local recycling guidelines and avoid “wish-cycling” (putting things in the recycling bin hoping  they are recyclable). Limit microplastics  Source: SivStock Media Microplastics are everywhere. These tiny pieces of plastic harm our environment and our health. And one of the biggest sources? Our clothes. Each wash can release up to 1.5 million microfibres per kilogram of synthetic fabric . That’s an estimated 35% of all primary microplastic pollution. Here’s how to reduce microplastic pollution:  Limit purchase and use of synthetic textiles, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic Choose natural fibres (like cotton and wool) when possible Air-dry your clothes—dryers release even more microfibres. Retrofit your washing machine with a microfibre filter  Spread awareness Source: Sorapop Udomsri Beyond implementing changes in your own home, you can also spread awareness of our plastic pollution problem and inspire others to take action.  Participate in or organise local cleanups  Share tips and stories through school newsletters, clubs, or assemblies. Launch plastic-free initiatives at your school—start with eliminating bottled water (did you know that a study showed 93% of bottled water samples contain microplastics ?) Without serious intervention, ocean plastic pollution is expected to triple by 2040. But we don’t need to wait for governments or corporations to act. Your actions—no matter how small—matter. You can even eat ice-cream in a cone to save the cup and spoon! Let’s make every day a step toward a cleaner, plastic-free planet. _________________________ If you would like to be involved in our future Next Wave stories, send through your blog post to info@ausmap.org for your chance to be featured.

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AUSMAP is a nation-wide citizen science initiative, surveying Australian beaches for microplastic pollution. NATIONAL CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT AUSTRALIAN MICROPLASTIC ASSESSMENT PROJECT OUR MISSION AUSMAP is a nationwide program using citizen science to document microplastic pollution. Our mission is to lead Australia in addressing the microplastic crisis by empowering communities, and advancing knowledge and solutions to drive change for a cleaner, healthier future. “Plastic pollution is everywhere, but once we make it visible, change becomes possible." Research Director Dr Scott Wilson Mission the plastic problem Until recently microplastic pollution presented scientists with a crisis that was invisible to the human eye. If no one could see the scale of the problem, how could we convince communities and government to engage with the biggest threat to ocean wildlife, and the human food chain, that has emerged in our lifetime? the ausmap solution AUSMAP brings science and community together to confront the growing threat of microplastic pollution through targeted, evidence-based action. By combining data, education, and advocacy, AUSMAP gives nature and community a powerful voice at the table with real solutions that reduces microplastic pollution. you can make a difference! Join our sample teams, train as an educator, help us build the network that will save our aquatic ecosystems from microplastic pollution or donate! JOIN US! DONATE! READ THE LATEST NEWS! Synthetic grass fragments are increasingly prevalent microplastics in waterways across Metropolitan Sydney AUSMAP's shoreline monitoring provides some of the first site-specific evidence of synthetic grass fibres accumulating in Metropolitan Sydney waterways. Synthetic grass installations are now commonplace across Australia, appearing everywhere from community and elite sports fields to school playgrounds, party boats, residential yards and public landscaping . These surfaces have been associated with a range of concerns, including surface temperatures reaching up to 75 °C on h Driving Change at the Global Plastics Treaty 2025 Inside the Global Plastics Treaty: Geneva Reflections Dr Scott Wilson reflects on the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva. Discover what was achieved, the challenges ahead, and how Australians can drive real change at home. How students can help tackle plastic pollution - Next Wave A Spotlight on the next generation of ocean advocates. This is our first instalment of next wave - stories from the next generation of... JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER! Be the first to hear about training days, the latest results from our data, research in microplastics, and much more! Subscribe! THANK YOU!

Coastal Councils Managing Waste Generation from Synthetic Turf Synthetic Turf Field Rapid Appraisal Toolbox and Workbook In recent years, synthetic turf blades and infill material from synthetic sporting fields have been found in local waterways and beaches. Research into the impacts of microplastics on the environment and human health is still underway, and a lot remains unknown. About the Project Ku-ring-gai Council , Sydney Coastal Councils Group and Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP) have been successful in obtaining a NSW EPA grant under Round Three of the Local Government Waste Solutions Fund. The project, entitled Coastal Councils Managing Waste Generation from Synthetic Turf, commenced in April 2025 and aims to reduce microplastic contamination from synthetic turf fields, which are increasingly common across NSW to meet growing demand for sporting infrastructure. Over a two-year period, the study will: Evaluate conditions of synthetic turf fields Identify potential sources of microplastic loss Develop, implement and assess mitigation measures Conduct education campaigns with stakeholders Promote best-practice approaches to synthetic turf management Through this initiative, the project team is collaborating closely with coastal councils across the Sydney region and the NSW EPA to explore innovative strategies for waste reduction and resource recovery, supporting the transition toward a circular economy. Project Overview Phase 1: Rapid appraisal STATUS: Complete Phase 2: Case studies STATUS: In Progress Microplastic loss before and after implementation of mitigation measures on selected fields from Phase 1 will be evaluated. Mitigation measures may include pit baskets, filtration devices, shoe brush off zones, walk over grates and an education and awareness campaign. Phase 3: Promotion STATUS: To Be Completed Synthetic turf fields and results from Phase 2 will be showcased to visiting councils as a demonstration of best practice synthetic turf field management and microplastic waste generation mitigation. Phase 1: Rapid Appraisal Toolbox and Workbook The Synthetic Turf Field Rapid Appraisal Toolbox and accompanying Workbook have been developed to support councils in assessing the potential for microplastic loss from synthetic sports fields in a consistent and practical way. These FREE resources are designed for council staff, contractors, and asset managers to: Identify where and how synthetic turf blades and any infill materials may be escaping into surrounding environments Assess the condition, design, and maintenance of synthetic turf fields in relation to microplastic generation and containment Compare fields across a local government area using a standardised approach Identify priority sites where mitigation or further investigation may be required The rapid appraisal does not require specialist equipment or laboratory analysis. Instead, it uses visual assessments, site observations, and simple field-based checks to provide an initial indication of environmental risk. Results from the appraisal can help inform operational decisions, maintenance practices, upgrades, and future procurement of synthetic turf infrastructure. By completing the rapid appraisal, councils play a critical role in understanding and reducing microplastic pollution from synthetic turf fields, while contributing to statewide efforts aligned with circular economy and waste reduction goals. Download the complete Synthetic Turf Field Rapid Appraisal Toolbox and Workbook for FREE below: Synthetic Turf Field Rapid Appraisal Toolbox The detailed guide to your Rapid Appraisal Download Here Synthetic Turf Field Rapid Appraisal Workbook Paired with the Toolbox the Synthetic Turf Field Rapid Appraisal Workbook makes your appraisal easy Download Here Proudly Funded By This project is an initiative of the NSW Environment Protection Authority under the NSW Government’s Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy, and is funded from the waste levy. Project Partners