The Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) is a network of volunteers, communities, organisations and agencies focused on the removal and prevention of marine debris. The network contributes data from rubbish collected during clean-up events to the AMDI Database. The data is used to identify marine debris items, their potential sources and relevant stakeholders needed to assist in the creation of source reduction plans that stop the flow of litter at the source. The AMDI helps communities look after their coastal environment by providing resources and support programs, and collaborates with industry and government to create change on a large scale.

The Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) has 6 main objectives; - the removal of marine debris and litter from freshwater and saltwater environments - this is carried out by AMDI partners including local citizen scientists, community groups, industry groups and government agencies; - the collection of scientifically robust data on what is being removed and from where - this data is housed in the Australian Marine Debris Database; - the tracking to the source of where and why these items are being released into the environment; - the engagement of the relevant stakeholders to create practical solutions that stop that particular item from being released at the source (source reduction plans); - ongoing monitoring through clean-up activities to monitor the success of failure of source reduction plans; - education and awareness on the marine debris issue and its impacts. These objectives are carried out by AMDI partners and communicated through the AMDI platform.

The Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) is a platform that encourages partners and volunteers to share their data, knowledge, experiences, successes and failures to help build capacity within stakeholders who are working in the marine debris space. Resources are available for download from the www.tangaroablue.org website to assist volunteers and partners in building their capacity, skill and knowledge to contribute to the AMDI platform. The AMDI Database can be utilised by AMDI partners for educational, research and source reduction plans, ensuring that the data collected on the ground is used in the widest context.

The Australian Marine Debris Initiative is coordinated by the Tangaroa Blue Foundation - a registered Australian NGO. The network of partners voluntarily contributes to all stages of the AMDI (clean-ups, consistent data collection methodology, source reduction plans), where it is applicable providing a national platform to address the issue of marine debris.

Tangaroa Blue Foundation, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Keep Australian Beautiful WA, Department of Environment Regulation WA, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection QLD, Local Land Services Hunter Region, Southern Region Waste Group, Chemistry Australia, Douglas Shire Council, Cairns Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Sustainability Victoria, Northern Territory Seafood Council, Mapoon Land & Sea Rangers, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, NPARC Apudthama Land & Sea Rangers, Lama Lama Land & Sea Rangers, Girringun Land & Sea Rangers, NQ Dry Tropics NRM.