PROJECT PARTNERS
PROJECT PARTNERS
PROJECT PARTNERS
MEET OUR TEAM
MEET OUR TEAM
MEET OUR TEAM
MEET OUR TEAM
AUSMAP IS LOOKING FOR Volunteers - APPLY HERE!
Manly Cove
AUSMAP's longest running microplastic data set.
AUSMAP Manly cove
The Manly Cove story
AUSMAP’s ongoing monitoring at Manly Cove, a popular beach in Sydney’s northern beaches, has revealed consistently high levels of microplastic pollution, marking it as one of Australia's significant hotspots. Since mid-2018, AUSMAP researchers and community members have collected over 60 samples from Manly Cove, building one of the most comprehensive datasets on microplastic pollution in Australia, and potentially worldwide. This data reveals concerning trends that highlight the severity and persistence of microplastic contamination at this site.
​
The microplastic levels at Manly Cove frequently fall into the “High” (251-1,000 microplastics/m²) or “Very High” (1,001-10,000 microplastics/m²) categories on AUSMAP’s pollution scale, with a peak concentration recorded at 4,097 microplastics/m² in July 2024. This consistently elevated pollution suggests that Manly Cove is experiencing ongoing contamination from plastic debris.
.jpg)
Change in microplastic loads at
Manly Cove (2018-2024)
_edited_edited.jpg)
WHat we find
AUSMAP microplastic samples are analysed by classification of the type of microplastics found. Microplastic type identification allows understanding of potential sources of microplastic pollution.
​
AUSMAP defines microplastic types as “Hard Fragments”, “Foam”, “Fibre”, “Pellet”, “Film”, Synthetic Grass” and “other”. The categorisation of such types are determined through a manual, visual identification process.
What are the trends?
Manly Cove data break down
_edited.jpg)
Urgent Action is needed.
AUSMAP’s data on Manly Cove exemplifies the wider issue of plastic pollution and underscore the need for targeted actions and policies to address the root causes of microplastic pollution. Once microplastics enter the ocean, they are exceedingly difficult to remove, making prevention at the source the most effective solution. Stronger regulatory protections, coupled with efforts to reduce plastic use and improve waste handling, are essential to protect marine ecosystems and mitigate the long-term impacts of plastic pollution.
