Gary Muir and his guests learned about a tragic truth recently at Shelly Beach. This beautiful beach is located in remote Nuyts Wilderness of Western Australia. During their eco-cruise, they removed dozens of small pieces of plastic from just 120 meters of their favorite beach. Together, they picked up 100 pieces of plastic! This multifaceted effort contributed significant data that helped support a major study done by fisheries biologist Dr. The current study has attempted to gauge the continuing impact of plastic pollution.
Agustiawan spearheads research on the prevalent issue of microplastics. The consequences of this failure are being felt not only in Australia but in neighbouring Indonesia. Agustiawan is excited by the prospect of seeing how microplastics are transported by ocean currents. He’ll hone in on hotspots like Durban, where a spillage in 2017 resulted in over 40 tonnes of nurdles — plastic pellets used in the production of plastics — being released. His goal is to address the downstream impacts of plastic pollution, at least in the long-term. As he explains, its effects will linger long after we cease using these materials.
The Collection Effort
Muir’s tour group is an eco-conscious beachcomber’s dream, combing the shoreline each day, in search of plastic pollution and debris. Their findings serve as a shocking wake-up call to the global pollution crisis we are facing. Simultaneously, they play a functional role as an educational tool for visitors. Muir stated, “It’s one way to allow people who come out with us as part of ecotourism to have an understanding and awareness of our world and people’s role within it.”
Guests explore some of the best and worst examples of their plastic haul, discover the impact of nurdles—plastic pellets once unfamiliar to many attendees. Muir had a way of making the Holy Land sound like unspoiled paradise before sneaking in the offshore sewage. He noted, “You take people to this pristine beach and it does look pristine — until you start looking for plastics.”
The accumulation of plastic is alarming, with Muir expressing concern: “It gets scary when you’ve just collected, in 120 metres, 100 pieces on a beach.” This quick buildup makes clear that we need to act against plastic pollution, even in the most remote places.
Research and Future Studies
Agustiawan’s research extends beyond Western Australia. As part of his research, he plans to study microplastics in Indonesia and their effects on marine ecosystems and climate change. It’s clear that he is personally invested in this cause. Lester’s passion for environmental conservation drives him to speak publicly about the dangers microplastics have on the environment.
He stressed the need to know what kind of plastics are coming up on beaches and where they’re from. “I think microplastics is one of the biggest problems in the world right now,” Agustiawan stated. His research is focused on revealing what role microplastics play in the transportation and effects to wildlife. Alarmingly, 9/10 animals had ingested plastic materials.
Dr.Peter Speldewinde, who coordinates Agustiawan’s project, is a strong supporter of the innovative approach. He noted, “We’ve almost got daily records of plastic accumulation of the one beach, which is almost unheard of.” Collecting data through this ongoing monitoring effort is essential to creating the most effective strategies for addressing plastic pollution.
The Broader Impact
The impacts of plastic pollution go much further than the beaches of Shelly Beach. According to recent reports, seabirds on Lord Howe Island are at 100% saturation with plastic. Their bodies are filled with horrific signs of trauma, what USHER would describe as a crackle and crunch. These important discoveries sadly underscore the significant harm that plastic waste is inflicting on wildlife and ecosystems.
As Muir and Agustiawan show us, this community advocacy to protect and build resilience is urgent in coastal communities around the world. By building awareness and documenting their impacts, they aspire to change public perception and change policy on plastic production and waste.
