Coastal and marine pollution
Maritime pollution
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts works co-operatively with other Australian Government and State agencies on domestic and international maritime pollution policy and its implementation. This includes participation in the International Maritime Organisation and the domestic ANZECC Maritime Accidents and Pollution Implementation Group (MAPIG). Current issues include ballast water, toxic anti-foulants, introduced marine pests, pollution from shipping operations and marine debris.
Ballast water and introduced marine pests
Ballast water is a major source of Introduced Marine Pests. Australia's Oceans Policy includes a commitment to establish a new comprehensive national management system for incursions of introduced marine pests (IMPs). The establishment of the new national system will occur through the implementation of the December 1999 report of the National Taskforce on the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions.
Anti fouling
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has worked towards domestic and international bans on antifouling paints for ships that contain the toxic substance Tributlytin (TBT). It also supports a future global ban on TBT now being developed through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Under the Natural Heritage Trust, the Antifouling Program, funded projects that supported research into suitable alternatives to TBT based antifoulants, monitoring of their impacts, and community education.
For more information:
- Read about the past Anti fouling Program under Australia's Oceans Policy of the Natural Heritage Trust
Marine waste reception facilities
Under the Natural Heritage Trust, the Marine Waste Reception Facilities Program funded projects that demonstrated the establishment of best practice facilities for the management and treatment of marine waste at ports, marinas and boat harbours around Australia. Funding is no longer available for this program.
For more information read about the past Marine Waste Reception Facilities Program under the first phase Natural Heritage Trust .
Land based marine pollution
Poor water quality and sediment quality are the most serious known pollution issues affecting Australia's coastal and marine environments. The 1995 State of the Marine Environment Report found that pollution from the land contributes up to 80 percent of all marine pollution and is a major threat to the long-term health of nearshore marine systems. It affects ecological processes, public health and social and commercial use of marine resources. For more information visit the State of the Environment, Coasts and Oceans Reporting. The following links are past and present Australian Government initiatives that promotes tackling marine pollution at source.
The Australian Government's current activities are:
- Australia's National Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities
- Reef Water Quality Protection Plan
- Great Barrier Reef Coastal Wetlands Protection Programme
- Queensland Natural Heritage Trust Wetlands Programme
The programs below supported sustainable wastewater and stormwater management in coastal areas and/or coastal cities. The programs promoted tackling coastal pollution by encouraging wastewater reuse and promoting ecologically sustainable development. The Urban Stormwater Initiative also encouraged water sensitive urban design. Funding is no longer available from these programs.
- Clean Seas Program
- Cleaning Our Waterways Industry Partnership Program
- Urban Stormwater Initiative
Coastal acid sulfate soils
Acid sulfate soils (ASS) is the term usually given to soils or sand that contain iron sulfides (pyrite). In an undisturbed state, coastal acid sulfate soils are relatively harmless. However, when exposed to oxygen, through drainage or excavation, sulfuric acid is produced in large quantities. After rain, particularly following prolonged dry periods, this acid is mobilised in the soil profile, carrying with it other liberated toxins such as heavy metals. This toxic cocktail eventually flows into surrounding waterways significantly decreasing water quality.
Sea dumping
Australia currently regulates the deliberate loading, dumping and incineration of waste at sea under the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 and the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Amendment Act 1986. The waters surrounding Australia's coastline are increasingly threatened by pollution from wastes dumped at sea. To reduce this threat, there are Australian Government laws that control dumping at sea.
Dumping permits
Permits from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts are required for all sea dumping operations. Currently, about 30 permits are issued in Australia per year, mainly for the dumping of uncontaminated dredge spoil. Applications can be obtained from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts or the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (if the dumping is to take place within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).
Artificial reefs
Artificial Reefs are regulated under the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981. An application for a permit to create an artificial reef must be obtained from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Additional permits may also be required under relevant State legislation.
