New app to log marine debris finds

It just got easier to record marine debris that washes up on Eurobodalla beaches and make a positive difference to national research in the process.

Tangaroa Blue Foundation has launched an Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) App, which provides an on-the-go platform for “citizen scientists” to upload marine debris finds on beaches to its national database.

The free app is available for both Android and Apple devices and allows users to enter what they have collected and where.

Heidi Taylor from Tangaroa Blue says the app will make real-time monitoring of pollution easier for the dedicated volunteers working to remove rubbish from Australian coasts, including the Eurobodalla Marine Debris Working Group.

“The app is going to make our data collection so much easier as volunteers can automatically record GPS data, add photos and even scan the barcode on rubbish so we can track it back to its source,” she said.

“The AMDI Database helps identify the types and amounts of marine debris impacting specific sites.

“We work with community, government and industry groups to identify sources to find practical solutions that stop marine debris entering our waterways.”

Eurobodalla Council’s Environment Education Officer Bernadette Davis encouraged residents to give it a go and see just how easy it is to contribute.

“Marine Debris has a devastating effect on our marine environment. It is estimated that 18,000 pieces of plastic float in every square kilometre of ocean,” she said.

“If all we do is clean up, that is all we’ll ever do. The database allows us to track the marine debris back to the source and prevent it.”

Preventing litter from ending up on local streets and roadsides in the first place means it doesn’t end up in our waterways and ocean, and is the most effective way to reduce marine debris.

For more information and to get involved search for Eurobodalla Marine Debris Working Group.

To download Tangaroa Blue’s Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) App search "Australian Marine Debris Initiative" on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.