Completed projects

Microsoft AI accelerates debris research

2020 - 2021. We used digital solutions to reduce plastic pollution are underway through a partnership with Microsoft.

Global plastic losses – Phase I

Project Phase I. 2017 - 2020. We quantified flows of plastic and other debris from land-based sources to the ocean. Quantifying flows of plastic and other debris from land-land based sources to the ocean

Waste management effectiveness in Australia

2016-2017. This project undertook the marine debris research announced in February 2016 by the then Minister for the Environment, the Hon Greg Hunt, to encourage better waste management practices to improve water quality outcomes for Australia’s marine environment.

A national picture of marine debris in the US

2015 - 2017. We applied our research methodologies to better understand the marine debris issue in the United States with data support from the Ocean Conservancy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Policy and Practices Analysis to Reduce Debris Inputs to the Environment

Project Phase I. 2017

Debris sources and transport from the coastal margin to the ocean

Project Phase I. 2015-2016. CSIRO’s marine debris team, co-funded by the Australia Packaging Covenant, worked to better understand the sources of debris that end up on our shores and in our ocean.

Modelling and monitoring marine litter movement, transport and accumulation

2015-2016. The project goal was to increase the understanding of the state of knowledge, gaps and potential priority actions at a global and regional level for modelling and monitoring for the second session of the UN Environment Assembly in 2016.

Effects of marine debris on wildlife

2011-2014. CSIRO, in conjunction with Earthwatch Australia and founding partner Shell Australia conducted the TeachWild program between 2011 and 2014.

Ghost nets impacts on biodiversity

2009-2013. CSIRO conducted a project that explored sources, impacts and methods for amelioration of ghost nets as a threat to marine species.

Types, sources and at‐sea distribution of marine debris in Australian waters

2009-2011. Marine Debris is an increasing issue for the integrity of marine ecosystems in Australia, with reports of impacts on wildlife ranging from entanglement and drowning to increased transport of pollutants into food chains.