What’s Happening?
Registrations are now open for the Great Barrier Reef Clean-up 2026. Communities across the Great Barrier Reef region and connected catchments can remove and record marine debris.
The work aims to stop debris from continuing through waterways and reaching the Great Barrier Reef.
Why It Matters
Each item that is collected and recorded has value beyond the immediate clean-up. It is added to the Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database, helping build an important evidence base.
That evidence helps explain where marine debris comes from and supports long-term solutions.
Local Impact
Residents can help whether they live beside the coast or further inland. Their local work can stop debris moving through connected catchments and towards the Reef.
It also gives each community a direct role in the wider regional effort.
By the Numbers
- October is the month when participating communities will carry out the 2026 clean-up.
- There are two ways to take part, register a clean-up or join an existing local event.
- Five organiser groups are invited, workplaces, schools, community groups, friends and families.
Zoom In
Anyone registering an event can bring together a workplace, school, community group, friends or family. They can organise the clean-up in their local area and record the debris collected.
People who prefer to join can find an existing event nearby and take part.
Zoom Out
By combining removal with recording, the campaign connects local action with broader evidence. The database can support a clearer understanding of where marine debris originates.
The campaign says every clean-up matters: “From catchment to coastline to the Great Barrier Reef, every clean-up makes an impact.”
What To Look For Next?
People can now register their own clean-up or search for an existing event before October.
As participation grows, every item collected and recorded will add more evidence for long-term responses.
