Blue Economy
Zone
Marine Debris
MARINE DEBRIS
The Blue Economy CRC has implemented a zero-tolerance approach to marine debris as outlined in the BEZ Waste Management Plan. All equipment used at the research site is designed, secured, and maintained to prevent items from entering the marine environment. Daily visual inspections of all infrastructure ensure early identification of potential debris risks, while weekly shoreline monitoring and collection activities are conducted along predetermined coastal transects near Burnie.
The research team maintains a detailed marine debris register documenting any items recovered during cleanup activities, allowing for continuous improvement of waste prevention strategies. Special consideration has been given to selecting materials resistant to degradation in the marine environment, and all operational waste is sorted, documented, and returned to shore for proper disposal or recycling.
The trial also participates in community coastal cleanup events, engaging local volunteers in maintaining the health of Tasmania’s shorelines while raising awareness about marine debris issues.
REGISTER
Table: Register of Marine Farming equipment loss throughout the trial
| Date | Equipment | Investigation Outcome | Status | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 June 2025 | Two 12- inch white buoys branded BEZ | Incident: Broken line and loss of two 12- inch white buoys. Outcome: The incident report found the rope connecting the floats to the trip line showed evidence of having been caught in a vessel’s propeller, with visible twisting and abrasion consistent with prop entanglement. |
Not retrieved Loss reported to MaST and NRET |
 |
| 19 July 2025 | One solar panel (176cm x 114cm x 2cm) |
Incident: A solar panel (non-floating infrastructure) has broken out of its mounting frame and sunk to the seafloor within the Tial Site, which operates at a depth of approximately 60 metres. Outcome: Solar panel retrieved. Gear arrangement adjusted to prevent future losses. |
Retrieved.
Recovery operations successful, with a ROV deployed at the site on 1st August 2025. Solar panel was located and recovered from the seafloor. Loss voluntarily reported to NRET. |
 |
| 23 July 2025 | Two HDPE pole toppers (load distribution caps on top of bird net supports branded BEZ |
Incident: Two HDPE pole toppers (bird pole ends) detached from the pen. |
Not retrieved Loss reported to MaST and NRET |
 |
| 16 August 2025 | One 12- inch pink inflatable buoy branded BE CRC | Incident: Broken line and loss of one 12- inch pink inflatable buoy. Outcome: Investigation pending |
Not retrieved Loss reported to MaST and NRET |
 |
| 29 August 2025 | 1 camera | Incident: A security-style camera (approximate size 12cm x 15cm x 20cm) was dislodged from its mounting bracket and has sunk to the seafloor. Outcome: Investigation pending. |
Not retrieved Loss reported to NRET |
 |
COMMUNITY GEAR RECOVERY ACTIONS
Table: Register of washed-up gear recovery and owner return program
| Date | Notification | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 22 July 2025 | A Special Marker buoy consisting of a large yellow buoy with a flashing light mounted on a pole was discovered washed up on Wivenhoe Beach on the morning of Tuesday 22 July 2025. A member of the public reported the discovery to Tasmania Police and Marine and Safety Tasmania.
The Blue Economy CRC immediately deployed personnel to the location to assist authorities with identification and recovery efforts. Investigation determined that the buoy originated from the nearby Port of Burnie and belongs to TasPorts. Recovery actions were initiated by late morning on 22 July 2025. |
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BLUE ECONOMY ZONE
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