A Charles Darwin University (CDU) study has vastly helped to improve knowledge of the Gulf of Carpentaria and how marine waste is a ‘widespread problem.’
CDU Oceanographer Ruth Patterson said the study has dispelled multiple misconceptions, including the amount of marine debris in the region with new research finding there was a lot more washing up on local beaches.
“This latest research suggests that marine waste is a more widespread problem in Northern Australia than previously thought,” she said.
“We know where this debris comes from by the labels, the type of debris that is washing up and sometimes the species attached to it.
“We can also assess how long it’s been in the water by the marine growth.”
Regular beach clean-ups and assessments by First Nations rangers also contributed to improved knowledge of how ocean currents impacted the time, amount, and diversity of marine debris washing up on eastern and western sides of the Gulf.
Ms Patterson and fellow researchers used ocean current mapping to also increase knowledge of green turtle migration patterns, finding currents and wind have no influence on their migration paths.
The study also found tagged male giant mud crabs can also migrate, against winds, currents, and tides, more than 200km in 28-35 days using tidal stream transport and directional swimming.
