Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01047:reg:11:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01047
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 11 (pt 2/8)
Character Range: 32063–35271

of marine debris to aid debris reduction efforts (Senate Environment and Communications References Committee, 2015).

New technologies such as shipboard gasification waste-to-energy systems and accessible and affordable waste reception facilities at ports are likely to play important roles in addressing the challenges of ship waste in the future. The IMO is developing standards for shipboard gasification waste-to-energy systems and associated amendments to regulation 16 of MARPOL Annex VI to allow use of these systems on ships.
Community action can also lead to significant reductions in marine debris from ship-based sources. For example, in 2005, after the initial Cape to Cape Beach Clean Up, community members of the Tangaroa Blue Foundation at Margaret River, Western Australia analysed which items came from local sources, and what plans could be created to prevent their loss to the environment. This process (known as source reduction planning) led to the Western Australia Government, in consultation with the commercial and recreational fishing bodies, introducing regulations to prohibit at-sea possession (in state waters) of plastic bait bands used to secure cartons of bulk bait on fishing vessels. Plastic bands pose a significant risk to a range of marine life; sea lions, seals and sharks are particularly susceptible to injury or death through entanglement in uncut plastic straps. Similarly, the South Australia Government has banned the use of rubber bands in the oyster industry to prevent entanglements with dolphins and seals and has worked with the oyster industry to find other ways of securing baskets to the infrastructure.

         12  /  Threat Abatement Plan

 Actions for Objective 1: Contribute to long-term prevention of marine debris

Action Priority/timeframe Output Outcome Responsibility
1.01 Establish a threat abatement plan (TAP) team to coordinate actions for the life of the TAP                                                                                              High priority—within 6 months of the TAP being in place; meetings to occur on a 6-monthly schedule  Agenda- and action-based meetings/ teleconferences involving representatives of relevant agencies and organisations (for example the Department of the Environment and Energy, state and Northern Territory agencies, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority [AFMA], Australian Maritime Safety Authority [AMSA], Australian Border Force, Australian Antarctic Division, CSIRO, non-government, research and industry groups) so that key stakeholders can contribute to the timely coordination of actions under the TAP. Outcomes of TAP team meetings made publicly available  Better coordinated action on marine debris                      Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy
Over time more targeted teams established under this group to address specific issues (for example in regard to Action 1.05 on ghost nets); status reports supplied to the broader TAP team
A continuously updated list of stakeholders with marine debris interest (detailing the marine debris resources, expertise and frameworks they bring to the issue in the Australian context)
1.02