Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) to develop and implement a Biodiversity Offset Strategy (BOS) to provide for the long - term conservation of threatened and migratory species, including their habitats in the Western Basin area, the company said in its press release. The latest initiative of the LNG industry - funded BOS is a marine debris study , designed to track litter movements in Gladstone’s waterways to better protect marine life.
The study will take advantage of flowing streams and rivers , following recent rain activity , to gain a better understanding of where Gladstone’s litter is ending up. CQUniversity lead project researcher, Dr Scott Wilson said stormwater is a maj or contributor to marine debris and litter along our beaches and coastlines. “Marine debris is a serious threat to species such as seabirds, turtles and fish, so it is important to understand what the main sourc es of litter are and where litter is washing up,” Dr Wilson said. “Debris has been shown to be a common problem in the Gladstone region, with differences apparent between seasons and sites.”
Supported by Gladstone Ports Corporation, t he study involves releasing small, individu ally numbered, ‘ drift cards ’, designed to simulate litter items at key points around the harbour and coastline. The plywood drift cards, which are 10cm long by 6 cm wide, are coloured green on one si de with the reverse side coloured according to their release loca tion – either yellow, blue, pink or white. Information explaining how to report the drift card is included on the green side of the card. Dr Wilson said the study is reliant on the assistance of the community in reporting cards that are found washed up on beaches and coastlines. “By simply keeping an eye out for the drift cards and reporting any that are found , community members can aid our research, which in turn will make positive changes to our local environment. ” Two hundred drift cards were released simultaneously at each of four locations throughout the Gladstone region.