The Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region faces environmental pressures that no single country can address alone. ATSEA focuses on five shared priorities that support sustainable development, regional coordination, and better outcomes for ecosystems and communities.
MARINE PLASTIC & ALDFG
Reducing Ocean Waste, Protecting Coastal Economies
Plastic pollution and abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing Gear (ALDFG) or ‘ghost gear’ threaten biodiversity and harm small-scale fisheries. Much of this waste travels across borders, affecting communities far from its source.
ATSEA supports national and regional efforts to reduce marine plastic and ghost gear through:
This work strengthens marine debris monitoring, supports responsible fisheries management, and creates practical entry points for community-based plastic recovery. If you’re managing marine pollution, developing fisheries regulations, or running coastal programs, we provide data, tested models, and partnership opportunities that can strengthen your impact on the ground.
