What’s happening?
More than 2,500 Queenslanders have taken part in the 2025 Great Barrier Reef Clean-up, with 2,646 volunteers joining 153 community events. Participants worked from the Torres Strait to Bundaberg to remove more than 2.2 tonnes of marine debris ahead of the wet season. Volunteers collected and recorded 47,255 debris items across beaches, estuaries and waterways.
This year’s clean-up was delivered through Tangaroa Blue Foundation’s ReefClean program in partnership with Clean Up Australia. Hundreds of volunteers claimed free clean up kits and led activities in local communities. The ReefClean program is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.
Why it matters?
Marine debris has been identified as a major threat in the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2024. The large-scale effort gives immediate protection to marine life and adds new data that supports long-term solutions.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the community effort plays a vital role. “Reducing the amount of rubbish entering the Reef is one of the most valuable, tangible actions we can take to protect it, and everyone can play their part,” he said.
Local Impact
The work helps reduce debris before it enters the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It also strengthens community involvement across the Reef catchment, including regional towns and smaller coastal communities that help protect waterways feeding into the Reef.
By the Numbers
• A total of 2,646 volunteers took part, showing a wide effort from across the state.
• Across 153 events, volunteers removed more than 2.2 tonnes of debris from coastal and river areas.
• Volunteers recorded 47,255 debris items, adding important data to national monitoring efforts.
Zoom In
More than 70 clean-up events submitted detailed findings to the Australian Marine Debris Initiative database. This citizen science work helps track debris types and hotspots and supports ongoing response plans. Heidi Tait, CEO of Tangaroa Blue Foundation, said community effort is key.
“When thousands of Queenslanders unite for the Reef, the impact is incredible. Every item removed and recorded gives us both immediate protection for marine life and the data we need to find long-term solutions to stop debris at its source,” she said.
Zoom Out
The clean-up is part of ReefClean, a program funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust. It links community action, source reduction strategies and education. Clean Up Australia CEO Jenny Geddes said the results show strong community spirit.
“We are delighted with the results and that so many volunteers got behind this important initiative. It reminds us that we can all play an important part in protecting our precious Reef and that practical action matters. A sincere thank you to everyone who got involved,” she said.
What to look for next?
The next steps include more ReefClean community events across the catchment, new citizen science data added to the AMDI database, and ongoing calls for volunteers to join future clean-ups.
