Coastal environments, continuously impacted by human activities and natural processes, face significant challenges from marine debris accumulation. This study utilises GIS-based models to optimise clean-up resource allocation in the Whitsundays, northeast Queensland, Australia. We developed a gravity model to predict visitation and amenity value of beaches, and a wave exposure model to estimate debris deposition from non-local sources. Our findings indicate that exposure and gravity are key influences on debris accumulation, with non-local debris being a major contributor. The gravity model, which was validated against external visitation data, proved effective in assessing amenity value but has limitations in high-value, remote locations.
Using beach clean-up data as training points, we predicted debris accumulation and calculated gravity across the Whitsundays coastline, identifying high-priority clean-up sites. Our approach provides NGOs prioritisation choices based on stakeholder preferences, balancing environmental preservation with recreational and economic benefits. This study emphasises the importance of volunteer organisations in both clean-up efforts and data collection, which are crucial for monitoring and managing marine debris accumulation. Our adaptable methodology can be replicated in other regions with sufficient clean-up data, supporting global marine debris management efforts.