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Western Australia
AUSMAP Western Australia
AUSMAP in Western Australia
WA has recorded Very Low to Very High concentrations of microplastics from over 90 surveys, collected from Broome in the North to Sandy Hook Island in the South.
The highest loads to date have been identified at Point Walter in the Swan River, which recorded 941 and 1,714 microplastics per m2 in March and May 2020 surveys. These samples were predominantly composed of resin pellets (63-80%), originating from a range of different industrial sources up-catchment. Other sites along the Swan River, such as Bicton Baths have often exceeded 100 mp/m2 which indicates a consistent land-based source entering local waterways. In 2020, Safety Bay—a coastal suburb on Perth’s southern edge—recorded alarmingly high concentrations of microplastics, exceeding 1,000 MP/m² in both the May and July surveys. These samples were predominantly composed of hard plastic fragments, underscoring Safety Bay as a critical pollution hotspot and raising concerns about the ongoing accumulation of plastic waste in the area.
OUr WA microplastic hunt
AUSMAPs recent Western Australia Microplastic Hunt (July 2024) addressed a critical need for data on microplastic distribution across WA’s regional north. Surveys conducted across Broome, Geraldton, and Exmouth showed generally low pollution levels, with seven of nine sites recording either Very Low (<10 MP/m²) or zero microplastics. However, Greenough River (Geraldton) and Town Beach (Exmouth) emerged as Moderate-level hotspots (51-250 MP/m²), primarily due to hard plastic fragments and secondary microplastics. These findings point to localised sources, likely from industrial runoff and marine activities, and underscore the importance of continued monitoring. This data fills a significant gap, illustrating that while most areas have minimal pollution, specific sites require ongoing attention and intervention.
