FEBRUARY 29, 2016: THE Liberal National Coalition Government has made a $60,000 commitment to priority funding to kick-start research into the major sources of marine plastic waste and to determine the most cost effective options to reduce it.Every one of our favourite beaches and fishing is facing contamination by plastic waste and the Coalition Government is now funding research to do something about it. (Environment Minister Greg Hunt was given an insight into the issue on an earlier visit to the Whitsundays by Libby Edge from Eco Barge.)$60,000 of priority funding has been made available under the National Environmental Science Programme to encourage better waste management practices and improved water quality outcomes for Australia’s marine environment.The National Environmental Science Programme focuses on collaborative, practical and applied research that informs on-ground action. It is imperative that we understand the impacts of plastic waste and improve our management practices.Unlocking this knowledge will support our efforts to protect Australia’s unique marine ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The Marine Biodiversity Hub and Tropical Water Quality Hub will collaborate to identify the quantity and sources of plastic waste entering Australia’s oceans, reefs and waterways.The research will look at the relationship between debris in the marine environment and litter data from nearby sites and whether there are identifiable pathways through which litter moves into the marine environment. The project will also investigate whether investments in facilities, policies, or outreach would be effective in reducing litter on the coast and in our oceans. Plastic objects can also break down into tiny fragments known as ‘microplastics’.Microplastics can be swallowed by and choke coral polyps, and can threaten the health and survival of turtles and seabirds. Members of the community will be a vital source of information for the project.I am confident that our community, who are concerned about the protection of the Reef, will jump at the chance to become citizen scientists to directly engage with helping solve this problem.The National Environmental Science Programme connects scientists and communities to deliver research that will provide practical solutions. More information about the National Environmental Science Programme can be found online at www.environment.gov.au/nesp