Goal 14 - Life Below Water - RMIT University

Plastic Rubbish Can be Seen from Space

Aussie researchers have developed a method to identify plastic on beaches, successfully tested on a remote coastline. RMIT University scientists created a satellite imagery tool that distinguishes light reflection differences between sand, water, and plastics, enabling detection from over 600 km above. Previously, satellite technology struggled to identify beach plastics due to their blending with sand. This advancement, published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin, facilitates easier clean-up operations.

The Beached Plastic Debris Index (BPDI) uses a spectral index to analyse light patterns captured by the WorldView-3 satellite, specifically mapping beach plastics. This aids in directing clean-up efforts on remote shores.

Dr Jenna Guffogg, the study’s lead author, highlights the severe impact of beach plastic on wildlife and habitats. Her research, conducted at RMIT and the University of Twente, was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program scholarship, with satellite imagery accessed through DigitalGlobe.

Learn more about how plastic rubbish can be seen from space

A3P Aquatic Pollution Prevention Partnership

November 2023, the A3P Partnership between RMIT University and Melbourne Water was formally renewed for a further five years (2023-2028), following a highly positive external review in 2022.

The renewal reinforces a research-practice model that blends applied investigations into pollutants in urban and rural waterways with real-time knowledge exchange, secondments and student involvement. RMIT University Focus areas include stormwater wetlands' performance, litter and microplastics, industrial catchment pollutants and the health of estuaries and bays.

Crucially, the renewed Partnership aligns with SDG 14 targets by helping to prevent and reduce aquatic pollution and by increasing scientific knowledge, building research capacity and transferring marine-related technology and methods. The design ensures the findings feed directly into Melbourne Water’s policy and practice, supporting long-term waterway health.

Protecting Victoria’s Critically Endangered Dolphins from Chemical Pollution

RMIT University researchers at our Water: Effective Technologies and Tools (WETT) Research Centre have uncovered alarming levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in Victoria’s critically endangered Burrunan dolphins, revealing the highest concentrations ever recorded in dolphins worldwide.

Conducted in partnership with the Marine Mammal Foundation and the University of Melbourne, the study found PFAS levels up to 19,500 nanograms per gram in liver tissue, more than ten times the threshold for liver toxicity. These “forever chemicals,” commonly used in household and industrial products, accumulate in marine food webs, threatening dolphin health and ecosystem stability.

The research underscores the urgent need to identify pollution sources and strengthen chemical management and conservation policies. By illuminating the impact of human-made pollutants on marine species, RMIT’s work directly supports SDG 14: Life Below Water, helping to safeguard biodiversity, reduce ocean contamination, and protect vulnerable marine populations from extinction.

Learn more about how we're protecting Victoria's critically endangered dolphins

Aquatic Pollution Prevention Partnership

The aims of this research partnership between Melbourne Water and RMIT University is to help prevent aquatic pollution.

The Litter Trackers: Reducing Littering by Education

Most litter that ends up in Port Phillip Bay comes from the catchments. Education is an integral tool for achieving long-term change in community behaviors and reducing litter in waterways and the Bay.

Monitoring for Marine Pests in the Gippsland Lakes

This project investigates thresholds at which invasive species can be managed (eradication control), provide strategies for management of these species, providing early detection as to what species may cause potential impacts to the ecology of the Gippsland Lakes (range expansion).

Evaluating interactions of beachgoers and their dogs with local wildlife in Philip Island

Phillip Island Nature Parks (PINP) are currently pursuing a number of interventions and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing conflicts and harmful interactions between off-leash dogs and local wildlife on PINP-managed beaches.

Goal 14 - Life Below Water