Marine Debris in Northern Australian Waters

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian Government or the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. Acknowledgments WWF-Australia would like to thank the Natural Heritage Trust and Department of Environment and Heritage for providing funding to key elements of the WWF Marine Debris Program over time. Previously, a Coast and Clean Seas Grant funded the development of the WWF Net Kit, while funds received in 2003 allowed WWF and partners to continue to monitor the marine debris washing ashore in northern Australia. WWF would also like to thank all partner organisations that supported the 2004 marine debris surveys and particularly those that participated in the surveys. Their hard work and enthusiasm ensured the successful continuation of the WWF Marine Debris Program. Parks and Wildlife Rangers, Garry Williams and John Williams who provided guidance and advice and participated in the survey. In particular, John Williams, for introducing the group to the dangers of the area and putting the land into its cultural perspective. Cecile Conraux, who enthusiastically performed all tasks presented. WWF Volunteer, Stephen Dwyer for his enthusiasm and dedication to completing the project. who facilitated the fieldwork and provided vehicles, participated in on ground activities and warmly welcomed all participants to their traditional lands. ALCAN Pty Ltd and their employees for providing accommodation, meals and photo copying facilities to team members while staying at Gove House in Nhulunbuy. who enthusiastically performed all tasks asked of them and then some. WWF volunteers Susanne Weinblum, Lyn Raphael and Adrian (Red) Hendry for devoting their time, energy and skill to the project. trainee rangers Adam Mamarika and Tristran Wurramara for facilitating the project on Groote Eylandt, supplying vehicles and valuable local knowledge. Thomas Amagula of the Groote Milyakburra Youth Development Unit and participants in the Groote Milyakburra Youth Development scheme. Conservation Volunteers Australia, for their continuing support of the program by providing a team leader, Nick Koukourou and volunteer Graham Smith. WWF volunteer Adrian (Red) Hendry for his practical skills in the field and tireless energy who again gave their time and energy to the project. for their enthusiasm and dedication to the task of gathering and recording the marine debris. WWF Volunteer, Stephen Dwyer for his enthusiasm and dedication to completing the project.