'Alarming' levels of plastic pollution are being detected in the Sydney, Australia, harbour area.
The new damning research comes after weeks of Australian environmental policies hitting the headlines.
Currently, there is an ongoing battle over allowing a site mere kilometres from the Great Barrier Reef become a dumping ground for dredging. The emissions tax levied against the most polluting of the big industry businesses has also been withdrawn, and finally the carbon emission target is under threat of revocation under Tony Abbott's government.
“These plastics are small enough to be ingested by 96% of the world’s animals, invertebrates, which are then transferred to fish and larger animals," says Professor Emma Johnston, director of the research.
27 sites were surveyed in the harbour, and plastics measuring less than 5mm have been found in all areas. To compare with other countries, in 100ml of wet harbour sediment, between 60 to 100 plastic particles were found, whilst Sweden counts 24 per 100ml.
Professor Emma Johnston, who began the research 18 months ago, is seeking funding for a four year extension.
Cedrec's take
Another environmental story emerging from Australia.
It is beginning to become a recurrent feature here at Cedrec, the latest controversy of the Australian Government or news from research such as this.
Australia is a beautiful place, and in every bit of publicity, Australia is hailed as the outdoor haven for beach lovers, surfers, mountain hikers and so much more. The Great Barrier Reef is the pinnacle of natural heritage, yet it seems Australian officials, led by what can only be presumed to be a climate-sceptic in Tony Abbott, are doing little to nothing to encourage the country to take care of their amazing lands and seas.
Glasgow had to apply strict, environmentally-friendly measures including a CO2-free zone in the city centre in order to win the Commonwealth Games.
That torch is being handed to Australia in time for their hosting at the aptly-named Gold Coast. In the closing performance at Glasgow 2014, the Gold Coast promised above all else a perfect backdrop for the sporting event. How true that will continue to be, with what is viewed as a careless attitude towards the environment, will remain to be seen.
