What started a decade ago as a direct response to the growing threat of marine plastic pollution has grown into a nationwide movement of dedicated volunteers committed to protecting Australia’s coastlines and marine life.

Across the weekend of celebrations, volunteers removed 342 kilograms of debris from beaches and coastal areas. More than 16,000 individual pieces of rubbish were sorted and recorded, with the majority consisting of small, lightweight plastic fragments. These smaller items are among the most harmful forms of marine pollution, as they are easily ingested by wildlife and persist in the marine environment for decades.

The anniversary events were not only a celebration of past achievements but also a reminder of the importance of continued action. Over the past 10 years, thousands of volunteers have dedicated their time to removing marine debris from both urban shorelines and remote coastal regions. Their consistent efforts have provided immediate relief to marine life while contributing valuable data that supports advocacy and long-term change.

Sea Shepherd Australia extends its sincere gratitude to every community member who attended a screening, participated in a clean-up, made a donation, or engaged in conversation about protecting our oceans. Each contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role in the broader movement to address marine plastic pollution. 

These events would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteer crews across Australia. Their leadership, commitment, and hard work continue to drive the Marine Debris Campaign forward.

We also thank our supporters and event partners, including Fresh Promotions, Laib Bakery, Rodney Fox and Mark Tozer's Museum and Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Froth Craft Beach, Froth Craft Brewery Exmouth, The Greenhouse Sunshine Coast, and the many local councils who supported the hosting of these events. Their collaboration strengthens community-led environmental action and enables continued impact.

As the Marine Debris Campaign enters its second decade, Sea Shepherd Australia remains committed to direct action, community engagement, and protecting marine ecosystems from the devastating impacts of plastic pollution. The work continues, and the next decade of impact begins now.