Australian Marine Pollution Monitoring Programs

Geography, late settlement by European colonists, a small population, and a small industrial base, have prevented many pollution situations from arising in Australia. Marine pollution is limited to inshore areas around the state capitals and a small number of coastal industrial sites. The fact that there are only six states and one territory over such a vast continent has effectively created a regional approach to pollution management. Nevertheless, considerable scope exists for future collaboration and standardisation on a national marine pollution monitoring program.