A numerical ocean model based on the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) framework was run for the Sorsdal ice shelf region and included modifications for ice/ocean thermodynamics and mechanical pressure, following (Dinniman et al., 2007). The model domain was discretised on a polar stereographic grid with a uniform 2 km horizontal resolution. The vertical terrain-following coordinate had 31 vertical layers with a sigmoidal layer distribution to provide higher vertical resolution at the surface and bottom regions.

Zooplankton samples were collected at inshore coastal waters of south eastern Tasmania, between the years 1971 and 1972. Three stations were selected to cover the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, mouth of the Derwent River and the Storm Bay areas. Surface, midwater and bottom zooplankton samples were collected monthly for a period of twelve months during the day as well as night time, using horizontal tows. Data for temperature and salinity were also obtained from the stations.

This data describes the characterisation and estimated concentration of marine plastics in waters around Australia from surface net tows. The marine plastics recorded were predominantly small fragments (‘‘microplastics’’) resulting from the breakdown of larger objects made of polyethylene and polypropylene (e.g. packaging and fishing items). This data accompanies the following publication: Reisser J, Shaw J, Wilcox C, Hardesty BD, Proietti M, et al. (2013) Marine Plastic Pollution in Waters around Australia: Characteristics, Concentrations, and Pathways. PLoS ONE 8(11): e80466. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080466