---
title: What methodology does AMDI use?
description: What methodology does the Australian Marine Debris Initiative use?
---

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3 November 2025

# What methodology does AMDI use?

## AMDI  uses proven methodologies that have been developed in collaboration with experts from the University of New South Wales, the University of Tasmania, Southern Cross University, Murdoch University and the Tangaroa Blue Foundation Data Team.

**Consistent Monitoring**

Community clean-up surveys have provided significant data on the amount and different types of debris found, as well as accumulation hotspots. The development and implementation of a consistent monitoring program provides more robust data – leading to further insight and support in addressing these issues, as well as evaluating the success of prevention activities.

**What’s involved?**

Monitoring refers to surveys performed consistently over regular intervals, using appropriate methods for each different type of site. To understand how litter travels from where it is first released (source), to where it arrives (sink), we need to monitor different types of land-use sectors.

Monitoring sites may include inland waterways, estuaries, on the ground areas such as parks, built drainage, coastal shorelines and underwater.

The Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Monitoring Protocols provide community organisations, Indigenous groups, citizen scientists, government and not-for-profit organisations with the methodologies and rationale for establishing marine debris and litter monitoring projects. Data is collected across different land types, locations and settings, from inland to coastal environments.

See related articles:

- [Why is Regular Monitoring Important?](https://take-action.tangaroablue.org/knowledge-base/why-is-regular-monitoring-so-important?hsLang=en-au)
- [How do I start Monitoring Marine Debris?](https://take-action.tangaroablue.org/knowledge-base/how-do-i-start-monitoring-marine-debris?hsLang=en-au)
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