Adelaide’s beloved waterways are facing a hidden threat – microplastics. The Australian Microplastic Assessment Project has identified popular fishing spots like West Lakes as some of the worst affected areas in the country.
With around 70,000 pieces per square meter at West Lakes alone, the situation is alarming. Marine scientist Dr. Michelle Blewitt warns that this problem is persistent and poses a significant threat to marine life.
The ocean of microplastics also includes small round industrial pellets that mimic fish eggs, leading to harmful consumption by birds and fish. Locals have noticed a decline in marine species, with Barker Inlet Wetlands at Wingfield having the highest concentration of over 500,000 pieces per square meter.
While the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is monitoring industrial waste output and its impact on marine life, the government is expanding bans on single-use plastics to combat microplastic pollution. Hopefully, these efforts will help protect Adelaide’s precious waterways.