AUSMAP Citizen Science Program Combats Microplastic Pollution Through Public Engagement

The Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP), led by Dr Michelle Blewitt of the Total Environment Centre, is a national citizen science initiative that trains volunteers to document microplastic contamination in waterways. In partnership with Macquarie University, this program educates participants about plastic pollution and enables them to collect scientific data used to develop mitigation strategies. AUSMAP received the 2021 Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science. Since its 2018 launch, the project has engaged over 800 trained volunteers who have collected hundreds of samples and contributed thousands of hours, helping identify pollution hotspots and inform policy decisions.