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“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.

Dive into our June Newsletter! Hi AUSMAP Community!   As we move through the year, we’re excited to share some of the incredible work happening across the country to tackle microplastic pollution. From new survey locations to school workshops, the Ocean Lovers Festival to amazing grant projects— our citizen scientists are making real impact on shorelines across the country!   In this edition, you’ll find updates from recent events, upcoming opportunities to get involved, and inspiring stories from our growing AUSMAP community. Whether you’re a student, teacher, volunteer or partner — thank you for helping us out microplastics on the map!   DIVE INTO OUR JUNE NEWSLETTER Spaces are filling fast for our corporate Plastic Free July workshops in Sydney!   Join AUSMAP in your own office for a hands-on workshop. Help us sort a sample from a Sydney Microplastic Hotspot and leave empowered with how to make a difference!   Apply Here Every dollar helps us put microplastics on the map!   Make a tax-deductible donation today and help us engage communities nation-wide in citizen science and plastic pollution education programs!   Learn More See our latest Hotspot Map updates!   Have you checked out our Hotspot Map lately? We are now up to 1187 samples  nationwide! Click below and see if your local beach has any new microplastic surveys added!   Learn More

After 6 months of hands-on science, community engagement, and coastal discovery, AUSMAP is proud to announce the completion of our Coastcare Victoria Community Grant . This grant-supported project has enabled us to expand our national microplastic mapping program into key regions along Victoria’s beautiful yet vulnerable coastline. Our Project Microplastics—tiny plastic fragments less than 5mm in size—pose a growing threat to marine ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Through this grant, AUSMAP aimed to: Fill data gaps within the Mornington Peninsula Region Engage local communities in hands-on microplastic research Build capacity through training and education Contribute data to our national microplastic database and Hotspot Map Where We Worked Our team, in collaboration with community groups, schools, and Coastcare volunteers, collected data from multiple sites across the Mornington Peninsula to gain a clearer picture of where microplastics are accumulating—and what that means for local environments. Key Achievements 6 microplastic sampling events   13 volunteers  trained in AUSMAP’s scientific method 72 kg of macro debris collected with Beach Patrol 68 Volunteers engaged in various community events 126 microplastics  collected, categorised and logged Equivalent to 260 volunteer hours  Significant engagement  with local councils, Coastcare groups, and educators Data submitted  to our national database to inform future action These outcomes wouldn’t have been possible without the passion and commitment of the communities we worked with. From fieldwork to data processing, every contribution played a role in building a clearer picture of microplastic pollution in Victoria. See the new data points on our hotspot map here: Why This Matters Victoria’s coastline is not only ecologically rich—it’s deeply connected to the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people. By equipping everyday Australians with tools to investigate and understand microplastic pollution, we’re helping to inform better local action and drive behaviour change for protection of our local environment.  Looking Ahead Although the grant has officially wrapped up, the impact will continue. An AUSMAP hub was established with the Mt Martha Beach Patrol for local trained community members to continue understanding the changes in pollution levels overtime. The data collected through this program is now part of AUSMAP’s national Hotspot Map, a publicly accessible tool used by researchers, policymakers and educators.  We’re incredibly grateful to Coastcare Victoria  and the Victorian Government  for supporting this important work. And to every volunteer, partner and participant: thank you. Together, we’re turning data into action—and microplastic awareness into lasting change. VIEW THE FULL REPORT HERE

Manly Cove, one of Sydney Harbour’s most iconic swimming spots, has been revealed to be a microplastic hotspot, highlighting a widespread issue impacting popular coastal areas. According to a long-running survey conducted by AUSMAP , a project of Total Environment Centre, swimmers here are immersed in a soup of plastic pollution. Since 2018, over 42 samples have been collected and analysed from the cove’s foreshore. The results are alarming: more than half of these samples contained very high levels of microplastics, with one sample recording an astonishing 4,097 pieces per square metre. These microplastics include industrial pellets, polystyrene foam, fibres, hard fragments, and artificial grass. The diversity of microplastic types reflects a wide range of sources, spanning multiple council areas within the catchment. Despite their varying origins, all pose a significant threat to marine life and human health. Dr. Scott Wilson, AUSMAP’s Research Director, emphasised the gravity of the situation: “Manly Cove is very popular with residents and tourists, and we should be showcasing the best of Australia’s environment, not a plastic-polluted hotspot.” Microplastics: A Local Problem with National Implications Manly Cove’s predicament is not unique. Coastal hotspots across Australia are grappling with microplastic pollution, driven by a mix of human activities, poor waste management, and inadequate pollution controls. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive action. AUSMAP and the Total Environment Centre are actively working towards solutions, with current efforts focused on: Banning intentional microplastics  and implementing broad microplastic reduction strategies. Targeting microfibre pollution  from washing machines by advocating for the installation of filters and upgrades to wastewater treatment plants. Intercepting pollution from rubber crumb and synthetic grass , commonly used on sporting fields, and promoting alternative materials. Further restricting polystyrene foam use , which is a prevalent pollutant in coastal environments. A Call for Collective Action The pollution at Manly Cove serves as a stark reminder that preserving Australia’s natural beauty requires proactive measures at every level. From government policies to individual actions, we all have a role to play in reducing microplastic pollution. “We’re committed to finding solutions,” said Dr. Wilson. “AUSMAP will continue to monitor hotspots like Manly Cove and release new findings from other locations across Australia in the new year. Together, we can protect our oceans and communities from the growing threat of microplastics.” Manly Cove deserves to be celebrated for its natural beauty, not marred by the legacy of plastic pollution. Let’s ensure that future generations can enjoy its pristine waters and vibrant marine life. _________________ 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.

Shocking levels of microplastic pollution have been found in wetlands on the edge of an industrial area in Adelaide, with the source being plastic production factories and catchment runoff. The results are our largest found so far since starting to sample in the wetlands since 2019. AUSMAP Director, Dr Michelle Blewitt adds, "The pollution has been going on for years, with little action from environment protection authorities and factory owners.  Over 796,000 pieces per square metre, which are long-lasting and accumulating every year." These levels of microplastics pollution are a continuous danger to fish and birdlife in the Barker Wetlands (and adjoining waterways) and contribute to the microplastic load that is being absorbed by the human population. Recently the plastic factory at Kilburn, a major source of the pollution, was granted $20m to upgrade its recycling operations , targeting soft plastics. Jeff Angel, Executive Director at Total Environment Centre, of which AUSMAP is a project, emphasises that “This welcome development must be accompanied by guarantees that the pollution will cease via conditions imposed in the grant agreement, EPA licence and development consent.” In a Yahoo article published yesterday , EPA SA responded with a statement that said "microplastics are an area of concern for many environment protection authorities across the world and the wetlands are designed to help manage pollution, and keep it away from beaches." Total Environment Centre considers the claim by the EPA that the pollution sent into the wetlands is being effectively treated laughable.  There are no interception traps at facilities or even monitoring.  At AUSMAP, we believe that action at source to filter out microplastics from the industrial area and urban runoff in the catchment needs to be taken, rather than filling up these wetlands with plastic pollution.  Barker Inlet is not only a constructed wetland, but also has conservation values that are used by native aquatic species and birdlife and by people for swimming and fishing. The Port Environment Centre , with whom we have worked together to continuously sample this region, states that the area is home to 50 species of local terrestrial plants, 12 aquatic plants, 130 bird species, including migratory ones from the Northern Hemisphere, and other animals such as the rakali, and Murray short-necked turtle.   The microplastic pollution found in Barker Inlet is coming from pellet runoff from the factory and wind blown escapes and urban runoff. Dr Michelle Blewitt has been sampling for microplastics in the region personally, working very closely with Port Adelaide Enfield council to try to locate the source of the plastics. She wants AUSMAP supporters to know that, "seeing so much microplastic in the vegetation and sediment in this vital wetland sanctuary is appalling.  It’s gone on for far too long. We need to have a statewide-initiative to tackle the issue, not just from one or more councils. The only solution is to locate the sources and stop it before it enters the stormwater network." Due to the extreme loads of microplastics in South Australia, we added a new colour category to our scale for extreme loads over 10,000 pieces of microplastics per square metre, a rating that Barker Inlet and West Lakes continuously exceeds. AUSMAP has tracked back the source of microplastics in multiple microplastic hotspots around the country, even triggering action by NSW EPA. You can read more about the source tracking project that we undertook in Dee Why on the Northern Beaches of Sydney here .

All I want for Christmas is playing on loop in the background, holiday parties are in full swing, and the weather is warming up here in Australia. Christmas is coming! This season is often a time of overconsumption, as social media is flooded with trendy gift guides and perfectly decorated homes. You may be wondering how to keep the festive spirit bright while keeping plastic and spending to a minimum. Here are some essential Christmas items that can easily be swapped for 13 sustainable and plastic-free Christmas alternatives! SUSTAINABLE PLASTIC-FREE DECORATIONS Swap to Giddy Goat waste-free bonbons! You can fill with whatever you like and reuse the bonbons for years to come! Decorate an indoor/outdoor plant as a Christmas tree, instead of buying a plastic one! Get creative for your DIY Christmas decorations! Try making dried oranges to string as a garland or decorate your space with these origami paper Christmas trees. Want to add a few new items this year? Shop for pre-loved decorations second hand! If you would like to add some greenery, use real garland and wreaths. Even better if you use native plants you might have around you! THOUGHTFUL PLASTIC-FREE PRESENT AND WRAPS Shop for ethical, recycled and sustainable presents like a reusable water bottle or coffee cup. Make a themed giftbag with sustainable plastic-free swaps such a kit for the kitchen or for your bathroom. A plastic-free kitchen gift bag could include a plastic-free sponge like a jute scrubber or a coconut fibre sponge, a reusable soap dispenser for dishwashing liquid with a few plastic-free refillable dish soap options included. For the bathroom, we recommend throwing in reusable make-up removers, a home-compostable deodorant and maybe even a stainless steel razor. Re-use old wrapping paper, recycled paper, newspapers, magazines & fabrics to wrap your gifts. Instead of giving a “thing”, donate to AUSMAP in the recipient's name! Gift a homemade food or drink, an activity or experience they enjoy, or a lesson in something they have always wanted to learn! For children, gift wooden toys or other plastic-free activities such as a mini herb garden! MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS FEAST MORE SUSTAINABLE Shop local & organic products for your Christmas meal! Serve your holiday meal with reusable plates and cutlery. If you’d rather not wash up, use home compostable options instead. Use reusable wraps instead of plastic or aluminium wrap when storing any leftovers. Consider replacing one of your main dishes with a meat-free alternative. There you go, some simple swaps to have a festive and plastic-free Christmas. Happy Holidays from AUSMAP!

Looking for ways to reduce your plastic consumption and help out the planet? Then look no further! We’ve put together a list of 10 simple swaps you can make to go plastic-free. Why should you try plastic-free living? There’s no debating that society today would be unrecognisable without plastic. But if you’re reading this article, then you’re probably well aware that we have a huge plastic pollution problem on our hands. Cheap and durable, it’s hardly surprising that every year more than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced worldwide. Approximately 32% of that ends up in the environment, with over 8 million pieces of plastic leaking into our oceans every day! Plastic will never truly disappear; it simply breaks UP into smaller and smaller pieces, known as microplastics. These microplastics have now been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, to the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point on earth. Not only are plastics harmful to animals and the environment, but we also now know that plastic can be dangerous to humans too. So, there’s no better time to consider swapping out plastic products and learn how to go plastic-free! Reusable water bottle Did you know that it takes at least twice as much water to produce a plastic water bottle than the bottle itself contains? Crazy right! Also, drinking water from a plastic bottle increases your exposure to microplastics – no thanks. So first stop on your plastic-free journey, invest in a reusable bottle. We’re super lucky in Australia, and in so many countries across the globe, to have access to clean drinking water and plenty of fill stations. That means the hardest part of this swap will be choosing which reusable bottle to buy! @oceanbottle Reusable shopping bags Perhaps the easiest swap of all! We’re big fans of the reduce, reuse, refuse mantra, so say “no thank you” to pesky plastic bags and re-use your old shopping bags instead. You don't need a fancy tote, but we do love a reusable, plastic-free alternative like our AUSMAP canvas tote (all proceeds help us raise funds to deliver important training programs about microplastic pollution in councils, communities and schools). Top tip: Keep bags in your car, backpack and at work and never need to purchase a plastic bag again! Reusable produce bags If you can, a great way to go plastic-free is to avoid buying pre-packaged and pre-cut fruit and veggies and instead whip out your reusable produce bags! The I’m Plastic Free online marketplace has some great options, including bags made of recycled plastic that come with a handy cover to keep them all together. Reusable coffee cup Did you know Aussie’s use an estimated 1 billion disposable coffee cups each year and these hot beverage cups are thought to be the second-largest contributor to litter after plastic bottles? So if you’re used to grabbing your tea or coffee on the go, why not invest a few dollars in a reusable coffee cup! Definitely check out our awesome AUSMAP x JOCO reusable glass coffee cups. Every cup purchased helps raise funds to deliver important training programs in councils, communities and schools & helps fund the deployment of new Seabins into the Joco x Seabin Project Fleet, which is actively cleaning and repurposing plastic debris as we speak. Top tip: if you’re on a low budget, you can craft a reusable vessel by popping some elastic bands around your empty PB jar (so you don’t burn yourself). Reusable Straw Sensitive teeth, wearing lipstick or just a straw fan? Bring a reusable straw with you! Bamboo, stainless steel, glass or even silicone, there are a multitude of options. You can also find larger straws ideal for smoothies, pearl tea or slushies. Top tip: Remember to ask for “no straw please” when ordering a drink. @implasticfree Bamboo toothbrush Your dentist would tell you to change your toothbrush every three months, right? But in Australia alone, over 30 million plastic toothbrushes are used and discarded each year (approximately 1,000 tonnes)! So if you want to go plastic-free, swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one - you can even get them with replaceable heads. @thefutureisbamboo Top tip: snap off/discard the head and compost the handle at the end of its life. You can even take some pliers and snap off the nylon bristles if you like. Some toothbrushes claim to be completely biodegradable but please ask the manufacturer if that means home-compostable or not. The bristles may only biodegrade in a certain environment under certain conditions. Reusable cutlery set or spork Plastic cutlery is one of the most common forms of litter and among the items “most deadly” to sea turtles, birds, and mammals. If you’re often on the go or buy takeaway lunches every day at work, why not buy a reusable cutlery set or a spork (spoon & fork in one). Keep them in your everyday bag or at your desk, ask for your takeaways without cutlery and say goodbye to single-use! @lifeofcoco.aus Reusable lunch boxes and containers Whether you’re picking up food from the deli, grabbing lunch at the market, taking food to work or bringing home your leftovers from a restaurant, using your own reusable containers is a great way to go plastic-free. Top tip: have a specific bag ready with containers to take when you head out and about and pop them straight back in the bag once washed so it’s always ready to go! Reusable wraps and dish covers If you’re used to wrapping your leftover food or veggies in plastic wrap, we’ve got a simple swap for you. Reusable wraps are just as convenient and a fantastic way to wrap sandwiches or cover leftovers in the fridge. Whether you go for beeswax or vegan wraps, silicon or cotton bowls and dish covers, there are plenty of plastic-free ways to protect your food. @littleecoshop Top tip: If you’re on a low budget, place a plate on top of a bowl and away you go! Soap & shampoo bars Scrap the endless stream of plastic waste from your hand wash, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner bottles and instead try plastic free bars! Did you know that the majority of shampoos and conditioners are at least 80% water? Bars are also a great money saver as they’re super concentrated so generally last two to three times longer than your bottled equivalents. @getsolidroots Top tip: Get metal tins for your bars and wave goodbye to travel minis and exploding shampoo in your luggage! And there you have it, 10 simple swaps to go plastic-free! We’d love to hear how you go with these and any other tips and tricks to try, so let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Want to continue your journey to go plastic-free? I’m Plastic Free, an online marketplace, have compiled a free plastic free living checklist on how to remove unnecessary plastic from your house, room by room. Written in collaboration with in collaboration with Simona Paganetto -"I'm plastic free" I’m Plastic Free aims to be an easy to access online marketplace offering the most comprehensive range of plastic free, upcycled and ethically sourced products from Australian trusted and responsible suppliers. All products are also cruelty free and palm oil free and are delivered with carbon neutral shipping.

Mounting evidence for problematic synthetic turf rubber crumb Action to address the installation and management of synthetic turf fields in NSW represents a valuable opportunity to curb the spread of microplastics in our waterways. Revelations of environmental impacts and significant research gaps in the recent NSW Chief Scientist and Engineers Report (CSE) Synthetic Turf in Public Spaces (2023) have highlighted these surfaces as a critical concern. The focus on synthetic turf rubber crumb is not just a national issue. Internationally, evidence on the toxicity of rubber crumb and its mobility in the environment has been growing as well. If you would like to read more on this research, click below. Evaluation of potential carcinogenicity of organic chemicals in synthetic turf rubber crumb (Perkins et al. 2019) ERASSTRI - European Risk Assessment Study on Synthetic Turf Rubber Infill - Part 2: Migration and Monitoring Studies (Schneider et al. 2020) Global Evaluation of the Chemical Hazard of Recycled Tire Crumb Rubber Employed on Worldwide Synthetic Turf Football Pitches (Armada et al. 2022) Open letter to The New South Wales Government We have written a letter to Hon. Penny Sharpe, NSW Minister for Environment, and Hon. Paul Scully, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces (which you can download below), which urged them to go beyond the ‘learn and adapt’ approach recommended by the Chief Scientist. We believe this will inevitably result in the establishment of more such fields and accumulating future problems for human and environmental health. There is sufficient evidence now to be alarmed and we need to take precautionary action. AUSMAP's research on synthetic turf rubber crumb We have been expanding upon our program to research the loss of rubber crumb and synthetic grass from synthetic turf fields. This work began in collaboration with ReefClean to assess the rubber crumb loss near the Great Barrier Reef and the publication of the Rubber Crumb Impact Report. During our ongoing efforts, it has become apparent that sustained inputs of synthetic grass and rubber crumb are commonplace in both freshwater and coastal samples in NSW, with potentially significant environmental implications. Serious microplastic particle lost from a Sydney synthetic turf field More recently, we have been working with a Council in Sydney’s north-west on quantifying net microplastic loss from a synthetic turf field and the efficacy of stormwater pit traps. Sampling of four pit-baskets (200-micron mesh) and downstream stormwater nets under wet and dry conditions were used to assess the performance of stormwater mitigation measures. In addition, walk-off trials were conducted to determine microplastic loss on field users. Preliminary results have highlighted that up to 70,000 particles of rubber crumb and over 50,000 particles of synthetic grass have been captured in a single trap sample. Downstream sampling and brush-off zone trials with community stakeholders are currently underway to assess other avenues of microplastic loss but have shown relatively lower loads. Key findings from this investigation highlight 'extreme microplastic loss' from this surface that would enter the environment unabated without the presence of stormwater mitigation traps. The impact of such mitigation (and the varying approaches) is yet to be reported - and invariably, to date, are not common practice. In summary, the results of our research, concessions of ‘significant’ knowledge gaps and mounting community concern, signify that the CSE’s decision to adopt an accelerated ‘learn and adapt’ approach to synthetic fields in NSW is insufficient. Action on Rubber Crumb in NSW In our open letter to the government, we have asked the NSW government to take regulatory action to: Impose a 5-year moratorium on new planning and approvals for synthetic grass fields. Subject existing fields to pollution mitigation measures as soon as possible. Urgently develop end-of-life pathways (recycling?) for fields that will not cause damage (our case study identifies the only one in Australia, which is 10 years old and with Australian conditions mean they have shorter lifespans than overseas cases). Invest substantial effort into how to improve drainage and condition of natural grass fields to avoid synthetic grass. Continue a research program including epidemiological or health risk studies, heat impacts, environmental impacts, chemical composition, stormwater discharge, microplastic loss etc. We are urging the government to follow stringent regulation in line with overseas developments, and in particular to follow the European Union’s recent decision to ban intentionally added microplastics including rubber crumb following a transitional 8-year period. What can you do? If you want to learn more about the rubber crumb and synthetic grass problem, you can view take a few actions: Watch our recent webinar on the issue and dig into the following fact sheet we put together. Reach out to your local MP to express your concern, you are free to add any of our resources, including our letter to the NSW Government, into your email or letter. Become a regular supporter of AUSMAP's research. AUSMAP urgently needs funds to continue this research. As you can imagine, counting thousands of pieces of rubber crumb takes a lot of resources! Becoming a regular contributor allows us to make faster progress on this research and allows us to continue the fight against microplastics like rubber crumb and synthetic grass.

We are excited to see the news recently that EPA NSW is partnering with the Northern Beaches Council to tackle microplastic pollution around Dee Why Lagoon on Sydney’s northern beaches. Dee Why Lagoon is an important wildlife habitat with high conservation value. The location is a unique saline coastal lagoon, with occasional connection to the ocean, which makes it a safe haven for many young fish and bird species. AUSMAP investigated microplastic loads along Dee Why Lagoon shorelines AUSMAP citizen scientists, including local high schools, university students and community volunteers, have been sampling the shores of Dee Why Lagoon since 2019. The consistent sampling efforts found that some shorelines contained high levels of microplastics, with the highest area having approximately 1000 pieces per metre squared (MP/m2). As a result, this has now been recorded as a ‘microplastic hotspot’. The microplastic hotspot identification then prompted further sampling efforts through the catchment using our unique source identification methods in our Microlitter Reduction Framework (MRF). This demonstrated that certain parts of the catchment were contributing different microlitter types that flowed into the lagoon, before being deposited on the shores. The types of microplastic included foam, hard fragments, rubber crumb, synthetic grass and pellets (primary pre-production microplastic known commonly as nurdles). Through the MRF, AUSMAP worked with local stakeholders, including the Northern Beaches Council and EPA NSW to present the issue and spark further investigation efforts. Photo S. Wilson: Drain trap findings found in 2021 at Dee Why lagoon include rubber crumb fragments, synthetic grass, foam, fibres, and hard fragments. AUSMAP’s Dee Why Lagoon Project In 2021, AUSMAP lead the investigation, in a partial EPA NSW-funded project and Phase 3 of the MRF, to install stormwater outlet nets and street level drain pit baskets to help further determine litter sources. This occurred across different land use types in the targeted catchment (e.g. low density residential, recreational and special use, and light industrial) areas. Photo S. Wilson: Stormwater nets installed on local networks to capture the flush following rainfall. Over eight months, the project, supported by postgraduate students from Macquarie University under the instruction of Dr Scott Wilson (AUSMAP Research Director), found over 60,000 microlitter particles. In the light industrial locations, dominant types included glass, film, and foam. It was the only site where industrial pellets were found. In the locations near a synthetic sports field, rubber crumb was the dominant item identified. This variability highlights the importance of land-use in determining microplastic sources and highlights the importance of continuous sampling and the implication of further prevention methods. EPA NSW and Council Committed to Clean Up! After extensively investigating the area, we are excited to see EPA NSW and Northern Beaches Council come together to assist in tackling the microplastic litter problem. EPA NSW recently announced its commitment to stop nurdles from entering the drains in the region “to ensure the drain is just for rain.” This is great progress, and we are applauding EPA NSW for taking bold action. AUSMAP identified that 3.1 million pieces of various microplastics flow into the Dee Why Lagoon, and consequently into the ocean. We hope that NSW EPA will also take action on addressing the other sources of microplastics found in the local area. Our mission at AUSMAP is to identify microplastic hotspots through our citizen science methodology and employ our trained citizens to trace pollution back to the source and suggest effective remediation strategies. This process allows collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including local councils, businesses and state governments, and the implementation of the AUSMAP ‘Microlitter Reduction Framework’ (MRF) (if you would like more information on this, please email info@ausmap.org). We are excited to see the end product of our hotspot identification in action. We can not wait to see the results of the project! For more information on our commitment to litter reduction and AUSMAPs Dee Why case study, please check out our 2020-2021 Litter Congress Green Report here.

Determining loss of rubber crumb near Great Barrier Reef Many play areas have soft fall surfaces made of recycled rubber tyres applied as small pieces of crumb (1-5 mm in size). The development of the use of rubber crumb in playgrounds and synthetic sports fields has been partially as a result of the promotion of the Tyre Stewardship Scheme. This scheme aims to provide a pathway for the use of the end-of-life tyres that considers environmental, health and safety impacts. Rubber crumb and the chemicals associated with these (e.g. metals, PAHs, tyre antidegradants), however, have been found in international studies to leach into waterways and cause harm to aquatic life. Limited information exists on the potential loss and impacts associated with local sites and with the Great Barrier Reef considered a sensitive ecosystem, a focus on this region was considered a priority. AUSMAP has been working on rubber crumb research in collaboration with ReefClean to document rubber crumb loss from play areas in the GBR catchment. Results indicate that rubber crumb playgrounds release an estimated 1.2 million crumbs into the immediate environment (within four meters of these sites) on average. These findings are of concern considering the proximity of the test sites to the Great Barrier Reef catchment. Further preliminary research suggests tyre chemicals may have toxic health effects on both marine and human life. As a result of the findings from this study, the main recommendation is that rubber crumb-based soft fall play areas should be avoided near sensitive environments, particularly close to waterways. Read the full report below. RUBBER CRUMB IMPACT REPORT Following the work completed by AUSMAP and determining that rubber crumb playgrounds release an estimated 1.2 million crumbs into the immediate environment (within four meters of these sites) on average, Tangaroa Blue released a rubber crumb impact report. Discussing how these results are even more worrying, considering the proximity of the test sites to Great Barrier Reef catchment, and other research suggesting tyre chemicals may have toxic health effects on both marine and human life. Read the full report through link below. This project was funded by ReefClean. ReefClean is funded by the Australian Government's Reef Trust and delivered by Tangaroa Blue Foundation. We would like to thank the team of Tangaroa Blue and ReefClean for helping us make this possible.

The Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP), a citizen science project that is tracking plastic pollution along Australia’s coast and waterways, has won the Australian Museum 2021 Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science. AUSMAP, an Australia-based project by the Total Environment Centre in collaboration with Macquarie University, utilises citizen science to tackle the global problem of microplastics. Whether it is in our own homes and bodies or in the remote corners of the world, microplastics have been found almost everywhere. With countless microplastics found in the waterways around the world, AUSMAP sets out to map the presence of microplastic pollution along Australia’s coast and waterways with the help of scientifically trained citizen scientists. Over the past three years, AUSMAP has developed and implemented an entire ‘source to solution pathway’, from identifying microplastic hotspots to finding effective solutions. In this process, over 700 citizen scientists have removed well over 3 million pieces from Australian shorelines and identified numerous hotspots. AUSMAP Program Director, Dr Michelle Blewitt from the Total Environment Centre (TEC) says that ‘’The impressive contribution from citizen scientists, that have stopped millions of microplastics from reaching the waterways, is only the beginning as we are discovering more microplastic hotspots on a monthly basis.” Dr Scott Wilson from Macquarie University and Research Director of AUSMAP highlights the need for AUSMAPs solutions to mitigate the effects of microplastic pollution around the country, from education, leading to behavioural change, to effective microplastic traps. He says, “This is the first time anyone has attempted a multi-faceted management approach to micro-litter while empowering citizen scientists to have a significant impact in generating sustainable environmental solutions”. Read more about our nomination as a finalist and about the award here! If you would like more information about our selection or would like to reach out to AUSMAP for an interview, feel free to email us at info (at) ausmap.org. If you would like to join our citizen science program, head here! If you would like to donate to our program, head here! As a registered charity, donations above $2 are tax deductible. Any and all donations are more than appreciated to keep our program running!

We are extremely excited and honoured to announce that AUSMAP has been selected as a FINALIST for the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for Innovation in Citizen Science! The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are Australia’s most comprehensive national science awards, honouring achievements across the areas of research and innovation, leadership, science engagement, and school science. The category “Innovation in Citizen Science” award demonstrates excellence in citizen science practice, through innovative research and community engagement projects. We already know that plastic pollution is a global problem. Here at AUSMAP, we address this issue through citizen science by collecting scientifically valid data and designing effective mitigation strategies. Our Australia-wide program is a global first in which we train you, our citizen scientists of all ages, to document plastic pollution. As a fully immersive experience, we hope to educate communities to reduce their plastic footprint, while empowering ambassadors for long-term behavioural change. AUSMAP, led by Program Director Dr Michelle Blewitt from the Total Environment Centre and Dr Scott Wilson from Macquarie University, has been working with a consortium of research, environment, education, government and sustainable business organisations to achieve these consistent results. During the past three years, our community of over 700 citizen scientists has removed more than 3 million pieces of microplastics. Dr Michelle Blewitt is so proud of her team and the citizen scientists involved, “The impressive contribution from citizen scientists has assisted AUSMAP to create an entire ‘source to solution pathway’, from identifying microplastic hotspots to finding effective solutions.” “This is the first time anyone has attempted a multi-faceted management approach to micro-litter while empowering citizen scientists to have a significant impact in generating sustainable environmental solutions,” said Dr Scott Wilson, Research Director of AUSMAP. Jeff Angel, Director of the Total Environment Centre which founded AUSMAP, said, “Plastic pollution is one of the most critical environmental issues of our time. Each year, more and more plastic is contaminating the marine and human food chain, lasting many, many decades. Shining a light on it; engaging the community, and working on solutions with government and business is essential.” The AM Eureka Prizes winners will be announced on Thursday 7 October at a live broadcast event. We invite you all to stream the award ceremony online. Register to watch the awards at australian.museum/eurekaprizes! If you would like more information about our selection or would like to reach out to AUSMAP for an interview, feel free to email us at info@ausmap.org. If you would like to join our citizen science program, head here!

Our Regional Hubs have done a fantastic job in engaging local schools & local community groups to participate in AUSMAP during the year, thanks so much! The Hubs are a vital part of the program as they have committed to providing loan kits to AUSMAP trained participants, as well as coordinating regular sampling of their local waterways. Their hard work & dedication helps provides us with a more comprehensive data set, particularly with repeated sampling in specific locations, to provide insight into how microplastics impact the environment over time. Thanks again for all of those that have contributed! Since July 2018, we have completed 25 training days around the country, with close to 500 newly accredited AUSMAP Leaders! Each training day is undertaken in a strategic location where the participants experience hands-on training in microplastic surveying. All of these results contribute to our data set & will soon be included in our interactive map! Our most recent training day took us all the way to Thursday Island, what a beautiful location! While most plastic pollution in our waterways is a result of stormwater runoff, here on the remote islands in the Torres Strait, most debris comes ashore across our oceans from our SE Asian neighbours. Image 1 by M. Blewitt: Field sampling on Goods Island, Torres Strait Image 2 by M. Blewitt: Teaching the local indigeous students from Tagai State College, Friday Island, Torres Strait. Image 3 by K. Tymoszuk: Corporate volunteering, Athol Beach, Sydney Harbour Image 4: Living Ocean's Ocean Week in Nov 2019, Avalon Beach NSW Image 5: Santa Sabina College with Observatory Hill EEC , Chowder Bay NSW Image 6: Seaside Scavange in Dec 2019, Cronulla Beach NSW Image 7: Coke Corporate Day Image 8: Macquarie University students sampling at Jervis Bay NSW in Sep 2019 Image 9: Lane Cove Council Sustainability Fair, Oct 2019 For more event and training photos, please visit AUSMAP Flickr page It is really important that if you are planning an AUSMAP event in your local region, whether it is a school group, community or you are just on your own, be sure to let us know! It is crucial that we know of where & when these events take place - just drop us an email on info@ausmap.org Please note new address to send samples: AUSMAP c/- TEC PO Box K61 Haymarket, NSW, 1240

AUSMAP is in the process of developing an online interactive microplastic hot spot map. The map will allow you to search by location to see the results of microplastic surveys from around Australia. Users will be able to see microplastic hotspots, including the quantity, type, size & colour of microplastics found. So keep up your field sampling! The more data we have, the more informative the map becomes, & remember finding no microplastics is still a great result that we need to know about! The purpose of the map is to track how microplastic loads change in different locations over time, & finding no microplastics is the best result! Of the 200 shorelines that we’ve sampled so far around Australia, here are the top 5 microplastic hotspots (microplastics/m2) for around Australia! Tiranna Beach, West Lakes, SA: 9,500 Black Dragon Beach, West Lakes, SA: 7,795 Kyeemagh Beach, Botany Bay, NSW: 1,013 Athol Beach, Sydney Harbour, NSW: 994 Berry Island, Sydney Harbour, NSW: 784 We’ve also found many places that are considered ‘cold spots’ where there have been NO microplastics found. Examples of these include (these have no ranking by the way!): Collingwood Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW Hare Bay, Jervis Bay, NSW Tennyson Beach, Adelaide, SA Michaelmas Cay, GBR, Qld Kurrimine Beach, Nth Qld Woorim Beach, Bribie Island, Qld Queens Beach, Redcliffe, Qld

We often get queries on different aspects of the AUSMAP sampling approach. Here is a quick tip to help with your next microplastic survey. WHERE DO I EXACTLY SET UP MY TRANSECT? In order to carry out an effective microplastic survey, you need to select the most appropriate strandline for your transect. A strandline is the line/s on a shoreline where the last high tide has deposited debris. Of course in non-tidal environments there is not always a strandline and we generally sample along the water's edge (more details on this in a future tip). First, look for an obvious line of dampness or an area, where seaweed has accumulated. If there are several strandlines, choose the one with the highest amount of debris present. If the strandline has been disturbed, select the next lowest strandline towards the shore. And remember it’s always best to sample after the highest tide of the month or a storm event. Image: AUSMAP ReefClean training, Townsville QLD If you have any questions for Dr Scott or would like to suggest a new ‘Tip’, please email us at info@ausmap.org. And don’t forget that we love to know where & when you are doing an AUSMAP sample & love to see your photos so be sure to send your pics to info@ausmap.org or tag us on social media @ausmap_au

READ THE ORIGINAL POST ON COCA COLA JOURNEY If you’ve ever caught the Manly Ferry, you would have cruised past the sands of little Manly Cove. Like many Australian beaches, it has a dirty secret: microplastics. These tiny pieces of plastic are less than five millimetres long and can be made of any kind of plastic. Microplastics are found all over the world, and according to some news reports they can and have found their way into seafood humans then eat. Studies also indicate that the presence of microplastics is not limited to the ocean, but also in the air we breathe. So where are microplastics coming from, and what can we do about it? Marine scientist Dr Michelle Blewitt is program director for AUSMAP. The global-first mapping project, co-founded by the Coca-Cola Foundation, is mapping microplastic hotspots around Australia. “By identifying these hotspots, and the type of microplastics, we can potentially look at identifying the sources. Then we're able to assist in management and policy making,” Michelle said. As an indication of the scale of the problem, Michelle revealed how a single sampling day in Manly Cove saw her team collect more than 1,200 pieces of microplastics per square metre in the area. “That's a huge volume of microplastic in one location. By being able to identify where these hotspots are and engaging people to identify what microplastics are, we empower them to do something about it,” she said. The AUSMAP process Trained AUSMAP leaders, guide groups of community members and high school students in the AUSMAP methodology use sieves to capture small pieces of plastic (between one and five mm in size) found in soft sediments in any type of waterway. “We’re engaging community members from the general public to high school students in using a standardised methodology to collect rigorous scientific data on microplastics,” Michelle said. The samples are sorted and examined to look at the type of plastic, quantity and colour.  These microplastics are then further analysed to investigate any chemical contaminants. Getting people involved For Michelle, teaching volunteers and community members about these hotspots and how to address them is just as important as finding the source of the problem. It’s a stance shared by The Coca-Cola Foundation, AUSMAP’s founding corporate partner. Since 2016, the Foundation has donated more than $1 million to community projects aimed at eliminating the plastic pollution problem and Coca-ColaAustralia believes the solution lies in organisations working together. “We all know the issue of marine plastics has become a growing global and local concern. Collaborations are critical because no single group can tackle the impact of marine debris alone,” said Sarah Prestwood, senior external affairs manager, Coca-Cola South Pacific. “AUSMAP was of particular interest because it was a key way to get everyday people involved. There is this overwhelming desire from people to get involved and do something, especially from a younger generation and citizen science really unleashes this,” Sarah said. It’s a partnership both sides are proud of, and according to Michelle, it’s vital for global brands to show their support for local projects and be part of the change. “To be able to gain enough information and data to succeed in a project such as this requires funds and support, so it's essential to have financial backing. This research wouldn’t have been possible without those initial funds from the Coca-Cola Foundation,” Michelle said. With support for the project continuing to grow, Michelle is planning on expanding AUSMAP into other major regions across the country and continuing to educate local members of the community about the microplastic problem. “It’s about education, engagement and behavioural change. We need to make people change their thoughts and their relationship with plastic, to help them recycle more and use our data to look at areas where the environment is most at risk,” she said. “If we do that, they’ll go back to their local community and look at things differently and make a change in their own lives with how they use plastics. Whether we make a difference in one person’s life or a large group, it’s all  incredibly worthwhile,” Michelle said. Written and photos by: COCA COLA JOURNEY

In late November, AUSMAP breached South Australian territory for the very first time. Dr Michelle Blewitt and Dr Scott Wilson both made the trip to Adelaide to train our newest group of AUSMAP accredited facilitators. The day was a huge success, with over 25 individuals attending in one of our largest training groups yet. The day was hosted by the wonderful Keep South Australia Beautiful (KESAB), who are now our very first regional hub in South Australia! We spent the day at Henley Marine Discovery Centre, sampling in the sunshine at the beautiful Henley Beach in front of the centre. One thing is for sure, the South Australian folk sure do keep their beaches clean! Only small amounts of microplastics were found during the sampling – significantly smaller when compared to other sites we have sampled with the AUSMAP methodology. Only 2.5 microplastic items were detected per m2, and only 0.5 macro debris items were found in the same area – that’s squeaky clean! It was fantastic to spend the day connecting with so many great people from the region. We had a really diverse group comprised of educators, local government members, Natural Resources Management (NRM) groups and interested community participants, that all shared a great deal of interest in the program and issue at hand. It is always so exciting to see so much interest and enthusiasm for the AUSMAP program flowing in from all around the nation. We have are now established in three states – NSW, Queensland and South Australia – and we are beyond excited to watch AUSMAP continue to grow and flourish around the nation into the New Year! Written by: Nicola Fuller (AUSMAP Marketing Coordinator, Volunteer) Photos: Program Director Dr Michelle Blewitt, Dr Scott Wilson

Over the past few months we’ve been busily training lots of people for the AUSMAP program and we are excited to see our network of participants grow. Many are already regularly carrying out sampling of their local shorelines and sending back their results, so we can begin to build our microplastic hotspot map. To coincide with this, we have started issuing our AUSMAP Field Equipment Kits which contain all the bits you need to carry out your microplastic sampling. We’ve tested the kits ourselves in a few locations and they are working great! If you need a kit, or any extra sieves to carry out the program be sure to send us an email at info@ausmap.org Our new training videos are currently on the editing room floor and will be ready shortly. This short series of videos will outline the step by step step by step instructions on how to set up your site and carry out your own microplastic surveys. Written by: Kylie Tymoszuk (Strategic Coordinator) Photos: Kylie Tymoszuk

Have you ever been surrounded by a group of people who share your passion and are ready to make a difference? Dr Michelle Blewitt and Dr Scott Wilson had the pleasure of finding themselves in this exact situation in October 2018 at the Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) Conference held at the Southern Cross University, Gold Coast. Joined by Kate Keary, our Education Specialist, and Tony Wilson, from the Coastal Environment Centre, Northern Beaches Sydney, the team presented a workshop on AUSMAP to an very interested and passionate crowd. Filling these seats were attendees from across Australia, representing areas such as environmental education centres, teachers, local councils and Land Care. The workshop began with an information session on AUSMAP followed by practical hands on activity, to develop an understanding of some of the techniques involved. The environment was buzzing and inquiries were pouring in from Cairns, Perth, Victoria and everywhere in between, wanting to incorporate AUSMAP into their programmes. Immediate action of our methodology is already occurring in Cairns where, the educators from Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre, have introduced AUSMAP to their STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) camps. With sieves in hand, we are confident that they will collecting reliable data on microplastics! Thank you to everyone for their time and interest in AUSMAP, each time this information is shared we are growing our collective, building a stronger community, and eventually database, that will support the understanding of microplastics in Australia. It truly is something everyone can get involved with, if you have any interest or enquiries yourself please do not hesitate to get in touch. Written by: Beth Vanderhaven (AUSMAP Social Media Coordinator, Volunteer), Program Director Dr Michelle Blewitt Photos: Program Director Dr Michelle Blewitt

Jervis Bay is filled with beautiful white sandy beaches - could this image be tarnished with microplastic pollution? There is only one way to find out, undertaken an AUSMAP microplastic survey! Students from Macquarie University, supervised by our own Dr Scott Wilson, recently undertook a field trip to investigate the ocean beaches and those within the Bay. Across the sites sampled,they found relatively low microplastic loads with no site reporting levels above 10 items per m2, a fantastic result for the environment! Furthermore, it was exciting to report that Collingwood Beach, located on the southern side of Jervis Bay, is the first site in the AUSMAP database with zero microplastics identified! In other samples, over 50% of the microplastics identified were foam balls, suggesting that packaging materials are the main source of pollution in this area. These foam balls not only pose a threat being confused for food by both marine and land animals, they also leach chemicals into their surrounding aquatic environment. Interestingly, there were 2.5 times more plastics found on ocean beaches than beaches in the Bay, which is converse to that on Sydney beaches! This indicates different sources are at play with our plastic pollution depending on location. Surveys and results such as this always create more questions than they answer. Thank you for adding to our database and understanding, keep up the curiosity and hard work students! We hope that our database continues to grow as our trainers spread their knowledge and communities add their surveys to grow our understanding of microplastics and the influences on them. If you would like to get involved in future AUSMAP events, you can contact us here: https://www.ausmap.org/contact Written by: Beth Vanderhaven (AUSMAP Social Media Coordinator, Volunteer), Program Director Dr Michelle Blewitt Photos: Dr Scott Wilson

We have completed several Training Events in the last couple of months; including Georges River Environmental Education Centre, Awabakal Environmental Education Centre near Newcastle, Henley Marine Discovery Centre, South Australia and most recently; a training event on the Sapphire Coast, kindly hosted by Eurobodalla Shire Council. A total of 24 newly accredited AUSMAP Trainers have completed their training at these events. During these training events, an overview of AUSMAP and methodology, is presented by Dr Michelle Blewitt, Program Director or Dr Scott Wilson. Participants then undertake a hands-on sampling activity at a waterway close by - either a beach, lagoon, mangroves, river or any aquatic shore that contains soft sediment. During the Georges River EEC Training day at Chipping Norton, trainees were able to put their newly learnt skills to use. A storm from earlier in the week brought in plenty of macro and microplastics, as well as organic matter to sort. Our trainees were particularly impressive and efficient in sorting the samples, with results forming a ‘hotspot’ on our microplastic sampling map. To become a trained AUSMAP provider, all participants complete a short practical test to ensure that they, and us, are confident of their ability to complete our AUSMAP methodology and reliably add rigorous data to our ever increasing microplastic data. If you would like to get involved in future AUSMAP events, you can contact us here: https://www.ausmap.org/contact Written by: Beth Vanderhaven (AUSMAP Social Media Coordinator, Volunteer), Program Director Dr Michelle Blewitt Photos: Mel Liu

AUSMAP was proud to be involved in the Save our Species event hosted by the Office of Environment and Heritage in August 2018; highlighting the power of citizen science. Other citizen science projects such as PointSnap, Bellingen RiverWatch, National Waterbug Blitz, CoastSnap, Scoop A Poop, Our Bushland, Saving our Species on DigiVol - Quollidor, DigiVol, Powerful Owl & Australian Citizen Science Association. The night included a fantastic spokesperson for citizen science, Stuart Harris, who on a bush walk in 2008, photographed a new species of peacock spider, after sharing it online he found a live specimen that was named after him. From there, he has kept searching for other species of peacock spiders, and continues his journey as a citizen scientist. It was exciting to build interest and opportunities with corporate partners through the sharing of our preliminary work such as the data on microplastics we have collected around Sydney Harbour. Of particular interest, were 'nurdles', these plastic pellets continually turn up in our surveys, particularly on harbour beaches, and are part of plastic pollution we often don't see in our daily lives, but has a huge impact on our marine environment. Not only did this event provide opportunity for future partnerships, it also highlighted the importance and impact of citizen science. When science programs reach out to involve the wider communities it opens up communication and understanding. We know many people want to help the environment and are unsure how, citizen science is the perfect way to do so. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many projects supported in this way! Thank you to the Office of Environment and Heritage for an evening of connection, discussion, ideas and passion for our environment through citizen science.  If you would like to support or be involved in anyway you can contact us here https://www.ausmap.org/contact Written by: Beth Vanderhaven (AUSMAP Social Media Coordinator, Volunteer) Photos: Dr Michelle Blewitt, Kylie Tymoszuk

AUSMAP is proud to announce the recent certification of our first official AUSMAP Trainers! Hot off the heels of our launch, our next goal was to carry out our ‘Train the Trainer’ program which aims to train people in the AUSMAP methodology from various sectors including environmental educators, council staff and local community groups. Certified AUSMAP Trainers are then able to train future leaders in the program to facilitate and run AUSMAP data collection programs for schools or community groups in their local area. Our first training day was kindly hosted by the Taronga Conservation Society on 23 July 2018 with participants from Taronga Zoo, Royal National Park Environmental Education Centre (EEC), Coastal Environment Centre, Gibberagong EEC, Longneck Lagoon EEC, Willoughby Council, North Sydney Council, Surfrider Foundation and Australian Catholic University. After a briefing on the AUSMAP program by Dr Michelle Blewitt, and an introduction into the methodology for carrying out a microplastic survey by Dr Scott Wilson, participants headed down to Athol Beach to practice their newly acquired skills. All our participants received hands on experience in setting up the site for sampling and were able to see first-hand the amount and variety of microplastics in this harbour side location. With the freshly sieved samples in hand, it was back to the lab to identify and analyse what was collected. These results will form part of our AUSMAP microplastic hot spot map. It was great to see so many enthusiastic people, from a variety of organisations, getting involved with AUSMAP. Their contribution enables us to continue our journey of engaging the wider community in understanding the impacts of plastic pollution. We have had lots of positive feedback from the Train the Trainer event. If you would like to get involved in future AUSMAP events, you can contact us here: https://www.ausmap.org/contact Written by: Kylie Tymoszuk Photos: Kylie Tymoszuk, Dr Michelle Blewitt

What is Operation Straw? STRAWkle Sesh has been a popular event created by the STRAWkle Squad (a group of enthusiastic beach cleaners) who have gone out every Saturday in Summer to clean up Manly Cove since 2017. The project was started up by Sustainable Organisations of Manly (SO Manly) and Grumpy Turtle Designs. The STRAWkle Squad encourages volunteer divers and snorkelers to conduct underwater cleanups around Manly to record the number and type of straws they have collected. Now this information can be used by our citizen science initiative, AUSMAP.  Operation Straw is collaborating with AUSMAP on Operation Straw’s macro and microplastic session called Operation Straw: Micro STRAWkle. The first collaborative event was held 2nd of June on the day of Winter, with keen STRAWklers defying the cold to convene on the Manly Art Gallery for a presentation from AUSMAP followed by some STRAWkling, and morning tea provided by Ruby Lane. After the talk from Dr Michelle Blewitt (AUSMAP’s Program Director) and Dr Scott Wilson (AUSMAP’s resident research scientist), the STRAWklers got stuck into it. The water was a nippy and conditions windy for diving for straws, but finding microplastics went ahead and boy, there were a lot of them in the water! One STRAWkler on his Instagram said: “I always knew there was a lot of plastic on our beaches but until you use accurate measures of extraction you cannot fathom how bad it is!” When you pick out the bits of microplastics individually, it really does give you a sense of the enormity of this pollution crisis. Because these bits of plastic are so small, it’s not something that people often see and think about, but every small piece is detrimental to our wildlife. Thank you to all the STRAWklers for coming to AUSMAP’s collaboration with Operation Straw. It was great that you rugged up and braved the weather to help us clean up Manly Cove of straws and other macroplastics. You also helped AUSMAP put valuable research data on microplastics into our database. Written by: Naomi Huynh (volunteer of AUSMAP) Photos: Program Director, Dr Michelle Blewitt