Clean Up Tangalooma

Clean Up Tangalooma

Throughout June, two major clean-up operations were carried out, each playing a significant role in reducing pollution from our coastline and ocean while helping to protect the island's unique marine environment.

The first clean up took place around World Environment Day. Staff from The Tangalooma Eco Centre joined forces with Tangatours for a clean-up dive in front of the resort, focusing on areas close to the jetty. During this dive, they found a concerning amount of discarded fishing line and hooks tangled, displaying how easily this type of waste can build up in the marine environment. Even more concerning, the team observed up to three wobbegong sharks with hooks and fishing line in or around their mouths, highlighting the real impact this pollution has on our local marine life. These findings act as a strong reminder of why responsible fishing matters. Ensuring fishing gear is disposed properly is a small action our community can take, to help better our ocean’s health for current and future generations.

In a separate event organised by Sea Shepherd, 20 dedicated volunteers travelled to the resort before boarding a bus to the island's eastern beaches, where they spent the day combing the coastline. Joining forces with Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers, the volunteers covered more than three kilometres of beach, collecting over 300 kilograms of marine debris. This remarkable effort surpassed last year's collection total of 242 kilograms, demonstrating the powerful impact of community-led conservation. The significant volume of marine debris collected highlights the ongoing threat of pollution to our coastal and marine ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of continued conservation efforts and responsible environmental stewardship.

© Photo Credit: Rebecca Griffiths Sea Shepherd Australia

Tangalooma Island Resort is proud to stand alongside Sea Shepherd Australia in supporting meaningful, action-driven environmental efforts like this. Every action, no matter how small, makes a difference. Protecting our oceans, coastline and wildlife is a shared responsibility, and simple choices, like disposing of rubbish properly and leaving the beach as you found it, can have a lasting impact.

If you want to join a beach clean-up or other event near you, check out the Sea Shepherd website for more details.

https://www.seashepherd.org.au/get-involved-2023/