TasPorts in partnership with the Tasmanian University Dive Club and Invasive Seastar Clean Up Group is going under the water on Sunday 1 March, in an effort to rid Hobart’s waterfront of rubbish and the invasive Northern Pacific seastar.
Posted
27 February 2026
TasPorts in partnership with the Tasmanian University Dive Club and Invasive Seastar Clean Up Group is going under the water on Sunday 1 March, in an effort to rid Hobart’s waterfront of rubbish and the invasive Northern Pacific seastar.
Unlike most Clean Up Australia events, this initiative will focus on what lies beneath the surface tackling some of Tasmania’s harder to reach waste and pests, said TasPorts Environment and Sustainability Manager, Susan McLeod.
“Hobart’s waterfront is a working port environment, but it's also part of Tasmania’s shared coastal ecosystem,” Ms McLeod said.
“Partnering with the Tasmanian University Dive Club and the Invasive Seastar Clean Up Group allows us to access material that can’t be reached from land and demonstrate how collective action can make a real difference.
“Marine debris and invasive species place pressure on harbour ecosystems. By getting into the water, this clean-up event will help improve our local marine health and prevent material from spreading further into the Derwent estuary,” Ms McLeod said.
The Northern Pacific seastar (Asterias amurensis) is a recognised marine pest introduced to Australian waters in the 1980s.
It preys on native shellfish and other species, altering marine habitats and impacting biodiversity.
Localised removal efforts help manage populations within affected areas of the harbour.
Experienced recreational and scientific divers will enter the water on Sunday to recover debris and target invasive Northern Pacific seastars, while volunteers onshore will collect, sort and record material brought ashore.
Dive Leader, Dr John Keane, from the Tasmanian University Dive Club has been leading the clubs’ activities.
“We’re proud to partner with TasPorts to improve the health of Hobart’s waterfront by removing marine debris from around the docks and wharves.
“Working together on this initiative demonstrates how industry and the university community can work together to deliver practical environmental outcomes.
“We hope this effort inspires broader awareness of marine debris and the shared responsibility we all have to protect our coastal waters,” Dr Keane said.
The TasPorts led initiative forms part of TasPorts’ Environmental Strategy and its ongoing focus on waste management, biosecurity awareness and responsible port operations.
“We’re proud to be adding this initiative to our annual calendar of community activities,” Ms McLeod said.
For more information about the national event visit: Clean Up Australia