Bellarine Catchment Network, in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, is teaming up with the CSIRO to contribute data to a national baseline survey to end plastic waste.
The biannual Greater Geelong Plastic Pollution survey will see community citizen-scientists from Lara to Ocean Grove help researchers and the City better understand plastic pollution.
The Marine Debris team at the CSIRO lead the world’s largest plastic pollution survey, with dozens of countries participating in the global effort to understand the plastic crisis threatening our oceans.
The Greater Geelong Plastic Pollution survey will use the methodology developed by the CSIRO and contribute local data, helping develop the most accurate understanding of plastic pollution.
Volunteers will be able to adopt one of 16 sites throughout Greater Geelong to survey twice a year in their local neighbourhoods, shopping centres, and rural paddocks.
The data will reveal the main drivers of plastic pollution within Greater Geelong, the most successful intervention strategies, and the amount and types of litter in the environment.
Sustainability and Circular Economy Coordinator at the Bellarine Catchment Network, Rebecca St Ledger is coordinating the program and is excited to get started.
“We are very happy to be working alongside the prestigious CSIRO Marine Debris team and to contribute data to the world’s largest plastic pollution survey,” she said.
“Our organisation has been committed to ending plastic pollution that harms Port Phillip Bay and its marine wildlife for some time, and are looking forward to continuing that mission.”
Councillor Jim Mason, Chair of the Environment portfolio at the City of Greater Geelong, said the survey would provide a clearer picture on what is and isn’t working when it comes to tackling plastic pollution.
“As a city-region surrounded by beautiful waterways, understanding plastic pollution is crucial to protecting Geelong’s unique natural environment,” he said.
“We’re proud to be the first council to join CSIRO and the Bellarine Catchment Network in this important program, and I encourage local nature-lovers to take part.”
Workshops are being hosted by BCN and CSIRO in North Geelong and Indented Head, where volunteers will learn more about the program and how to complete a survey.
