SeaLink Western Australia has partnered with local environmental organisations and community volunteers to help protect Wadjemup / Rottnest Island's fragile marine environment, supporting a beach clean-up at The Basin and Pinky Beach last Friday.

Delivered for the fifth time in collaboration with Eco Surf Australia, the clean-up brought together a committed group of volunteers, partners and island stakeholders who continue to return year after year to care for one of Western Australia's most iconic coastal destinations.

Leycester Cory, General Manager SeaLink Western Australia, said protecting the marine environments where SeaLink operates is a shared responsibility: “Rottnest Island is an incredibly special place, and keeping its beaches and surrounding waters healthy requires consistent, collective action. We're proud to support community-led initiatives like this that deliver real, measurable outcomes for the marine environment and help ensure unique destinations such as Rottnest Island can be enjoyed by future generations.”

What was achieved on the day:

• 2,021 items collected
• 21.5 kilograms of litter removed, including 9 kilograms through Containers for Change

Most common items recorded:

• 314 pieces of plastic food wrap
• 234 cigarette butts
• 194 paper items
• 163 pieces of broken glass

As part of the clean-up, all litter was formally recorded using nationally recognised data collection methodologies. This process, often referred to as an audited beach clean, ensures every item collected is logged, categorised and submitted to national databases that inform marine pollution research and environmental policy.

Encouragingly, organisers noted a continued reduction in cigarette butts and increased awareness of Containers for Change, reflecting the positive impact of education and long-term advocacy.

An AUSMAP microplastics assessment conducted during the clean-up identified two plastic nurdles (industrial plastic pellets), along with other microplastic fragments. These samples will be analysed through Macquarie University, contributing valuable data to national research efforts aimed at identifying and reducing sources of plastic pollution.

Founder of Eco Surf Australia, Sonja Belle-Wood, said the consistency of SeaLink's support plays an important role in protecting Western Australia's coastline.

“Having partners like SeaLink return time and again makes a real difference. It's not just about removing waste on the day, it's about building long-term awareness, gathering reliable data and creating lasting change for our marine environments.”

The clean-up was supported by a broad network of partners, including the Rottnest Island Authority, Keep Australia Beautiful Council WA, The Rottnest Bakery & General Store, Simmo's Ice Creamery and Island Gypsy.

SeaLink has supported multiple beach clean-ups as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Working alongside organisations including Tangaroa Blue Foundation, Keep Australia Beautiful Council WA, Containers for Change, and Eco Surf Australia, these initiatives help reduce marine debris and contribute to meaningful, long-term conservation outcomes.

SeaLink Western Australia remains committed to supporting environmental initiatives across the regions in which it operates, partnering with community groups, researchers and volunteers to help protect Australia's coastlines and marine ecosystems for future generations.

📸 Image credit: Anthony @memoriesnotincluded
🎥 Event reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSOp9IRE7Li/