Conservationists fear rising tide of microplastics on Capes beaches from Augusta to YallingupWarren HatelyAugusta Margaret River TimesFri, 27 June 2025 3:13AMEmail Warren Hately
Concerns are rising about an increase in microplastics littering Capes beaches.
Coming on the heels of growing awareness about the dangers of tiny plastic particles appearing in foods as well as inside animals and the human body, broken-down plastics have been identified as a new challenge for residents and activists taking care of the region’s beaches.
Outgoing Nature Conservation Margaret River Region general manager Drew McKenzie and others have urged residents to do their part as stewards for the coastline and limit their use of plastics.
“It’s well documented that microplastics are increasing in our oceans and impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems,” he said.
Among those who considered microplastics an important local issue was the Margaret River Future Council, comprised of local teenagers and children wanting to preserve the region’s environment.
Group spokeswoman Jasmine Cordero told the Times a worrying amount of microplastics featured in regular clean-ups.
“When you’re on the beach and you spot a piece of microplastic, it may seem like just a little bit of rubbish and that it won’t make much of a difference picking it up,” Ms Cordero said.
“But all these pieces of microplastic have a huge impact on the animals who end up consuming them, including us.
“They can end up in our food chain and water table, and can in turn also impact our health and wellbeing.”
Tangaroa Blue chief executive Heidi Tait said it was well-documented the group’s annual Beach Clean-Up had found high loads of microplastics from Augusta to Yallingup dating back to 2004.
“We have always had areas that have had significant microplastic pollution down south,” she said.
“I am not sure if there has been a jump in microplastics on the Capes coastline. I do think that more people are actually seeing it with increased awareness.”
As the prime coastal management agency for the Capes, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions told the Times the State Government was leading the nation in its Plan for Plastics by removing single-use plastic items from the waste system.
That included educational initiatives involving DBCA’s Parks and Wildlife Service.
“The Parks and Wildlife Service undertakes marine debris surveys and clean-ups periodically along beaches within the Ngari Capes Marine Park and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park,” a spokesperson said.
“Beach clean-ups are often co-ordinated in collaboration with community and volunteer groups, including Tangaroa Blue.”
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