Dhimurru's annual Cape Arnhem Marine Debris Survey was undertaken last week and what a load of rubbish!!! In a team effort with massive input from the Conservation Volunteers Australia, WWF, and the Parks and Wildlife Service NT a staggering 3.53 tonnes of marine debris was collected. Notable items collected included 18,907 plastic items and 1,701 rubber items including 1,487 thongs.

The overall quantity of marine debris was slightly less than was collected last year making it the third highest quantity collected since formal surveys commenced in the year 2000. Surprisingly, the number of nets collected appears to have declined totaling just over 20 large nets this year compared to a peak of over 65 in 2001. This was unexpected given the large number of marine turtles (78) Dhimurru has recovered from ghost nets this year, 51 of which were alive, compared to a total of 34 marine turtles in 2004. Full survey results for the past 5 years can be accessed on the WWF website http://www.wwf.org.au/About_WWF_Australia/How_we_work/In_the_field/North/marine.php

Dhimurru would like to thank the Australian Conservation Volunteers and WWF for their fantastic effort once again this year. Dhimurru would also like to thank Alcan Gove for providing accommodation and sponsoring the CVA input, Shell Australia who provided fuel for the CVA vehicle, Nhulunbuy Corporation and the waste management facility, and the Carpentaria Ghost Nets Programme (National Heritage Trust).

Dhimurru has more marine debris clean ups planned for the year so if you want to get involved and help with this important work please call or email dhimurru (08 8987 3992 or dhimurru info [one word] @dhimurru.com.au).

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