Christmas Island, a jewel in the Indian Ocean, is not only celebrated for its unique biodiversity and the dramatic natural beauty but also for its proactive approach towards environmental conservation, particularly in combating ocean plastic. Despite its remote location, Christmas Island receives a significant amount of marine debris. Thanks to the concerted efforts of local and national organisations including Clean Up Australia, Tangaroa Blue, Christmas Island District High School, Christmas Island National Parks, and Island Care, consistent clean up events are organised throughout the year. 

These beach cleanups ot only contribute significantly to the preservation of the island's pristine environment but also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage actively in environmental conservation efforts on island. The cleanups are also part of broader marine debris monitoring initiatives aimed at tackling the problem of ocean plastic with a data driven approach.

The ocean surrounding Christmas Island has been designated as a marine park, Australia's second-largest protected area, complementing the existing National Park that covers 65% of the island. This designation underscores the national and international importance of protecting this unique ecosystem, which includes significant seabird rookeries and year-round nesting sites for green turtles. The island's beaches also play host to the red crabs' spectacular migration, one of the largest animal migrations in the world.

However, the island's remote location does not shield it from the global issue of ocean plastic. Positioned amid the Indonesian Throughflow Current, Christmas Island faces a continuous influx of trash from the Indian Ocean, threatening its marine life and the integrity of its coastlines.

A testament to the dedication and hard work of the community and supporting organisations was a recent initiative coordinated by Tangaroa Blue. Over the course of just one week, a team of dedicated volunteers and participants from Christmas Island embarked on a mission to clean some of the island's most remote beaches, including West White Beach. This effort resulted in the collection of 1.2 tonnes of marine debris, comprising 45,320 items, all recorded in the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database.

Such initiatives highlight the critical importance of community involvement and the effectiveness of organised clean-up efforts in preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of places like Christmas Island. They also serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle against marine debris and the role that each individual can play. Visitors to Christmas Island are welcome to participate in these clean-up activities, contributing their part to the conservation of this unique environment and learning firsthand about the challenges and solutions in marine conservation.