In 1989, Ian Kiernan inspired 40,000 people to Sydney Harbour to scour its shores and waters for rubbish in what was the very first Clean Up Australian Day.

Mr Kiernan's motivation was fuelled on the other side of the world as he sailed through the Sargasso Sea in the Caribbean.

Having waited years to see the Sargasso's legendary long golden weeds, his anticipation turned to anger and disappointment when he found them polluted and tangled with rubbish.

Now in it's 22nd year Clean Up Australia Day has become an institution, spreading across the globe to become Clean Up the World in which 35 million from 120 countries take part in the annual event.

This Sunday 6 March, Clean Up Australia Day is on again and Tangaroa Blue's Heidi Taylor wants all hands on deck as our local focus turns to Cow Bay.

"We wanted to go to an area that we'd heard was pretty badly impacted by marine debris, but we haven't actually done a clean up there before so we wanted to do a bit of an exploration clean up to celebrate Clean Up Australia Day," Ms Taylor said.

"We've decided we're going to head up to Cow Bay just north of the Daintree River and do a clean up along that stretch of beach."

Ms Taylor said volunteers can car pool to and from Cow Bay and ferry passes will be made available.

"We got about 15 or so volunteers at the moment that are going to make their way up so we could do with a few more and at least a couple of drivers," Ms Taylor said.

"People should bring food, sunscreen, and drinking water, but the actual clean up materials will be supplied."

If you're interested in being one of the millions of people who take part in Clean Up Australia Day, please call Heidi Taylor on 0410 166 684 or email heidi@oceancare.org.au.

For more information on times and the precise location, or if you're making your own way to Cow Bay to meet the crew, visit the dedicated Clean Up Australia - Cow Bay webpage.