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Datasets / Australian Ocean Data Network (AODN)

Microdebris contamination in Australian coastal and marine waters

Particulate matterMarine debris

The data provides information relevant to determining time series estimates of anthropogenic marine debris contamination across the IMOS National Mooring Network (NMN) including National Reference Stations (NRS), with a focus on microplastics (plastics < 5 mm). Specifically, it summarises the physical (i.e., size, shape and colour) properties and chemical nature (i.e., synthetic, semi-synthetic or naturally derived, and polymer type) along with the associated sampling coordinates and field collection data. This dataset, together with other variables already measured across the NMN (e.g., surface salinity, current, plankton, fish larvae), has the potential to provide insight into abundance, spatial distribution and fluctuations in anthropogenic marine debris, as well as identify potential source materials, geographic (i.e., land-based) inputs and fate. Information on such contamination is critical to inform policy and management on marine pollution in Australia’s marine estate and to assess the effectiveness of policy responses.

Data and resources

Additional information

Date (revision)2026-10-24
StatusonGoing
Update frequencyquarterly
Metadata languageen
LicenseCreative Commons Attribution 4.0
Source metadataISO 19115 XML
Last updated2026-11-05
Created2026-11-05
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