Re: Urgent Call for Strong Action on Plastic Treaty at the Upcoming UN Conference 

Dear Minister Plibersek,

I am writing to you as a representative of Sea Shepherd Australia, a marine conservation organisation dedicated to protecting, defending, and conserving the world’s marine life and ecosystems. As the UN prepares for its upcoming conference on the Global Plastic Treaty, we urge you to advocate for a strong, binding agreement that addresses the urgent issue of plastic pollution, with an emphasis on reducing plastic production at its source and turning off the plastic tap.

Plastic pollution is one of the most serious threats facing marine ecosystems today. Around 80% of ocean plastic originates from land-based sources, and much of this pollution finds its way into the ocean where it harms vulnerable species, damages habitats, and disrupts ecosystems. Without immediate action, scientists predict that by 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish—a grim future for marine life.

Through Sea Shepherd Australia’s Marine Debris Campaign, we have seen the power of collective action from communities and our volunteers. Since 2015, we’ve prevented over 4.8 million pieces of debris from entering the ocean during our community clean-ups. Since 2018, teams of volunteers removed over 130 tonnes of marine plastic from remote areas across Australia, working along Indigenous rangers and cleaning up the country. Despite these efforts, plastic pollution continues to grow, and we cannot clean up our way out of this crisis.

The Global Plastic Treaty represents a crucial opportunity to stop the flow of plastic at its source. To safeguard the future of our ocean and the creatures who call them home, we must: 

1. Reduce plastic production globally, especially single-use plastics, which are the most harmful to marine ecosystems.

2. Hold industries accountable for the pollution they produce, ensuring they take responsibility for reducing their plastic footprint.

3. Advocate for binding international agreements that prioritise the protection of marine life and ensure environmental-friendly alternatives are adopted and implemented.

Australia has the chance to lead the charge in securing a strong and ambitious Global Plastic Treaty, one that will make a lasting impact on the health of our oceans. By supporting bold commitments, we can take meaningful steps toward protecting marine life and restoring the health of our seas.

We urge you to represent Australia as a true advocate for the ocean and marine life at the upcoming UN conference. The future of our ocean depends on strong action today!

Regards,

Sea Shepherd Australia