Protecting Our Oceans: UniSC’s Commitment to Preventing Marine Pollution

At the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), we are deeply committed to safeguarding the marine environments that surround and sustain our communities. Through innovative research, sustainable practices, and community engagement, we aim to improve marine health and prevent pollution across coastal and freshwater ecosystems.

Microplastics and other pollutants pose a significant threat to aquatic life and human wellbeing. UniSC is actively addressing these challenges through:

• Leading research into microplastic contamination, marine biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, conducted by our environmental science and marine biology experts.
• Campus-wide plastic reduction initiatives, including the removal of single-use plastic items such as cutlery, straws, and takeaway containers from UniSC food outlets.
• Sustainable event guidelines that encourage reusable materials and discourage single-use plastics at university events, graduations, and conferences.
• Refill and reuse campaigns, such as promoting reusable water bottles and coffee cups, supported by accessible water refill stations across all campuses.
• Waste management strategies designed to reduce plastic waste and support UniSC’s goal of becoming a low-waste, environmentally responsible university.

In addition, UniSC recognises the environmental risks posed by construction and development activities. To mitigate sediment runoff and erosion, we are:

• Implementing erosion and sediment control measures informed by research from UniSC’s environmental engineering and sustainability teams.
• Monitoring campus development impacts to ensure minimal disruption to surrounding ecosystems and waterways.
• Collaborating with local councils and conservation groups to support broader catchment health and marine protection efforts.

Through these actions, UniSC continues to lead by example in promoting a cleaner, healthier marine environment for future generations.