Keeping our seas clean
about us
Eco Barge Clean Seas is a not-for-profit environmental organisation based in Airlie Beach, at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. We protect marine environments and wildlife by addressing marine debris and plastic pollution through an integrated, hands-on approach, while empowering the community to be part of a positive solution.
What began as a response to marine debris has grown into a connected system of action. We remove marine debris from beaches, waterways, and coastal environments, using this work as a foundation to generate data and insights, recycle and repurpose materials, rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles, and restore riparian ecosystems to improve water quality and protect the marine environment in the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.
Woven throughout our programs, we actively engage, educate, and inspire our community through environmental education and conservation initiatives—building awareness, encouraging responsible behaviours, and fostering a shared sense of environmental stewardship in the Whitsundays.
Each part of our work informs the next. What we remove, we measure. What we measure, we learn from. What we learn, we use to prevent future impact—together with our community.
Our Mission
To protect marine environments and wildlife by reducing marine pollution, transforming plastic through recycling and repurposing, rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, restoring critical ecosystems, and engaging our community to drive lasting positive impact in the Whitsundays.
We are committed to creating lasting change by turning on-ground efforts into long-term solutions that reduce pollution, restore ecosystems, and inspire the Whitsunday community to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Our Impact
Kgs of marine
debris collected
Barge island
clean-up trips
Native trees
planted
Turtles cared for by Whitsunday
Turtle Rescue Centre
Volunteers
since 2009
Our Founder's Journey
Eco Barge Clean Seas was founded by Libby Edge, whose deep connection to the marine environment started since growing up on boats in her childhood, to then shaped by over 20 years working in the marine industry.
After watching a documentary highlighting the devastating impacts of marine debris on the Hawaiian Islands, Libby was struck by a realisation—the same issue was not only global, but present in her own backyard.
Motivated to take action, she began what would become the first dedicated marine debris removal program in the Whitsundays. What started as a local response quickly grew into a movement—bringing together community, education, and hands-on action to protect the region’s marine environment.
Libby’s vision continues to guide Eco Barge today: practical action, grounded in experience, and driven by a deep responsibility to protect the places we call home—together with the community.
Meet the team
Libby Edge
Founder
Libby is the heart and soul of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. Her unwavering dedication to protecting and preserving our marine environment for future generations inspired her to establish Eco Barge. Witnessing the devastating effects of marine debris on local wildlife, Libby became a powerful advocate for positive change in the Whitsunday Region.
Kelly Cronin
Eco-Experience & Environmental Programs Coordinator
Kelly is the driving force behind continuous innovation at Eco Barge. With a passion for operational efficiency and over ten years of experience in marketing, Kelly focuses on program expansion to take Eco Barge Clean Seas to new levels. She works on our projects around recycling marine debris, helping to ensure Eco Barge is actively keeping our seas clean in alignment with the circular economy.
Our Volunteers
Eco Barge would not be where it is today without our dedicated volunteers. These incredible individuals form the backbone of our organisation, working to remove marine debris, care for turtles, and support our initiatives. Their hard work and commitment are essential to achieving our mission of protecting our marine environment. Without them, Eco Barge simply would not exist!