FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a member or renew my membership?
How can I organise an Education Package or Tour for my school?
How can I help?
There are pollution issues at my beach, how do I start a Clean Ocean Chapter?
Who do I contact if there is pollution at a beach?
How much wastewater is discharged at Gunnamatta?
Where does wastewater come from?
How are marine animals affected?
Where is the closest outfall to where I live or swim?
Are wastewater outfalls dangerous to human health?
Frequently Answered Answers
How do I become a member or renew my membership?
You can become a member at our secure online service by Clicking Here. Alternatively you may become a member over the phone, or come into the office during business hours.
How can I organise an Education Package or Tour for my school?
You can find out about our education packages or submit an email enquiry by Clicking Here or by calling our office during office hours.
How can I help?
You can help the cause in many different ways. The best is to BECOME A MEMBER. The next best way to help, is be aware and educated on ocean pollution and advocating that knowledge to your friends and family. You can also contact your local members of parliament with environmental concerns or get the message out by writing letters/emails to local and national newspapers.
There are pollution issues at my beach, how do I start a Clean Ocean Chapter?
Check out our Clean Ocean Chapters page.
Who do I contact if there is pollution at a beach?
First, contact the Environmental Protection Authority in your state. Second, contact the local shire council. Third, LET US KNOW at Clean Ocean.
How much wastewater is discharged at Gunnamatta?
Each day, on average, 450 million litres of effluent is discharged at Boags Rocks Gunnamatta.
Where does wastewater come from?
Wastewater comes from many sources. Primarily wastewater comes from residential (houses and suburbs), commercial (shops and shopping complexes), and Trade Waste (factories and industries like hospitals, dentists, abattoirs).
How are marine animals affected?
Wastewater affects different marine life in different ways. Freshwater pollution into the marine environment can cause direct habitat damage because the creatures there depend on salt water to survive. Likewise brine streams (extra salty water typically from desalination) can also make our marine environment toxic. Wastewater often contains large amounts of nutrients, which can cause mass algae outbreaks called 'blooms' or 'red tides' which are toxic to other marine creatures. Wastewater may also contain heavy metals like lead or mercury, or other chemicals which can accumulate in the food chain, eventually becoming toxic to larger sea creatures like sharks, dolphins and even humans.
Where is the closest outfall to where i live or swim?
You can find out where an ocean outfall is by following this link and clicking on your region.
Are wastewater outfalls dangerous to human health?
Yes, some wastewater outfalls can be dangerous to humans. Primary or Secondary treated wastewater can contain levels of bacteria and virus that make humans sick.