The Indigenous Rangers Coastal Clean-Up Project (IRCCP), funded by Parks Australia’s Ghost Net Initiative, is delivered by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry and is tackling the growing threat of ghost nets and marine debris across northern Australia. Supporting 22 Indigenous ranger groups and provides resources, employment and community engagement to address the devastating impacts of plastic pollution on Sea Country.
A key innovation of the project is a co-designed detection and monitoring system developed with rangers and Traditional Owners. This system integrates drone technology and artificial intelligence to enable broad-scale monitoring and operational planning in some of Australia’s most remote coastal regions. Enhancing real-time surveillance, the initiative strengthens efforts to manage and mitigate marine debris effectively.
Beyond environmental outcomes, it prioritises capability-building, ensuring rangers and communities are skilled in emerging technologies while upholding Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles. This approach empowers Traditional Owners to lead management efforts and retain control over data and decision-making. The project has also facilitated international discussions with neighbouring countries to address the issue at its source, fostering regional collaboration in marine conservation.
This presentation will highlight successes of the IRCCP and the critical role of Indigenous-led monitoring in protecting marine environments from plastic pollution.