Plastics

Why Does it Matter

From biodiversity and food supply to the livelihoods of millions, so much depends on our oceans.

However, the health of our oceans is declining with rising sea surface temperatures and acidification, overfishing, coral bleaching events, and marine plastic pollution. The combined impact of these problems is shifting our ocean ecosystems into unrecognisable states.

Earthwatch is making strides towards tackling several of these problems. Our work focuses on:

Plastics waste management through community solutions
Addressing data gaps
Upskilling Indigenous Rangers
Piloting circular economy initiatives
Educating stakeholders and community
Exploring plastic offsetting and market-based mechanisms
Up-skill your staff

Professional Development

Corporate Learning

Develop informed and responsive strategies, policies and practices to manage plastics in your business. Our hands-on, immersive in-field experiences, transform corporate employees into citizen scientists and develop informed responses on how plastic pollution and management issues and mega trends affect business now and into the future.

Work with us

Scientific Research

Australian Microplastics Assessment Project (AUSMAP)

In partnership with AUSMAP, participants collect data, raise awareness and work with stakeholders on solutions to microplastic pollution around Australia. Our Chief Scientist Scott Wilson is the Research Director for AUSMAP, and is also involved in other projects relating to the impacts of plastics, rubber crumb and synthetic turf fields into aquatic environments. Dr Wilson is also a member of the Global Plastics Treaty Working Group.

Plastic Management

Working with Dr Denise Hardesty and Professor Steve Smith, Earthwatch is involved in research programs exploring plastic waste in Australia and around the world.

Get involved

You can get involved through our many projects aimed at conserving key areas and furthering research.

TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE

Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef

Mitsubishi Corporation and the Australian Institute of Marine Science work to fill knowledge gaps that will help reef managers to make evidence-based decisions about active interventions.

This will support the Great Barrier Reef’s recovery, and the recovery of reefs around the world.

Join Our Expedtion

STUDENT CHALLENGE

Protecting the Reefs Coastal Frontier

The Earthwatch Student Challenge is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a select number of Year 10 - 12 students to experience environmental research first hand. In this Challenge, students help researchers understand how mangrove forests respond to severe flood events and develop strategies to protect and enhance these coastal habitats into the future.

Join our Student Challenge

Our Past Marine Programs

Global Marine Debris

Marine debris and plastic pollution has fast become one of the greatest environmental challenges we face. Partnering with Amcor, we took their employees on a real-life learning experience where they undertake marine debris research around the world.

Understanding Queensland's Blue Carbon Resources

By joining forces with Plastic Collective, Sea Communities, Southern Cross University and TK Maxx, we had collectively implemented a community-run circular economy solution for Les Village waste management.

Wetlands not Wastelands

In partnership with Coca Cola Australia Foundation, the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and Plastic Collective, Earthwatch provided training to 20 CLCAC Indigenous Land and Environment Rangers and 30 community volunteers to help deliver a first-of-its-kind marine pollution and wetland management program in the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria.

PLASTICS