Marine debris poses significant threats to the environment and communities in NSW, and almost everywhere across the globe. A research and management program is underway in NSW to reduce the risks posed by marine debris, previously quantified in a state-wide threat and risk assessment.
Since 2017, NSW Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water in collaboration with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority, has systematically collected marine debris and catchment litter monitoring data. The long-term data set elucidates relationships between debris source areas, transport pathways and accumulation environments both within and between catchments. The spatial distribution of risk posed by marine debris was assessed as a key knowledge gap which will, with the analysis of patterns across catchments, begin to fill. Furthermore, ongoing investigations are examining correlations between areas of predicted high risk, and reported wildlife incidents, serving to guide future research and management strategies.
Employing a strategic approach, we propose a draft framework delineating key components for the assessment of management and remediation options. This framework seeks to optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of future risk reduction actions and inform and provide valuable insights to stakeholders.