Citizen Science
Communities
Many communities have an interest in the coastline and marine environment near outfalls in Australia.
With an increase in recreational or commercial fishing, surfing, swimming, diving or a multitude of other activities near outfalls, along with a growing awareness of environmental challenges, the coastal marine environment faces communities need more accurate information on the pressure these outfalls place on the local environment.
Coastal communities not only have a vested interest in ensuring the coastal environment is protected, but also themselves can provide critical information related to the area around an outfall.
Citizen Science
Citizen Science is becoming an increasingly valuable way of
monitoring the impact of pollution on the marine environment. This has
included a variety of methods of designed to address a particular issue
at particulars site.
For instance, scientific research techniques were employed by local group BeachPatrol3280, Victoria, to conclusively identify the source of nurdles from the Warrnambool outfall
In NSW, Community Group SO Shire collected samples plastic cotton buds along beaches that helped to identify the Cronulla outfall as the source of pollution
Previously the NOD and Northern Beaches Surfrider proved the feasibility of using surfers to sample sea water for pathogens at Warriewood, Sydney
Samples collected by adventure sailor Lisa Blair en-route to circumnavigate Antarctica indicated extremely high levels microplastic fibres off the coast of Sydney – near the three big offshore ocean outfalls
If you know of or are conducting any citizen science projects around outfalls in Australia, we would be happy to provide a link on the relevant outfall page to your venture.