Illegal dumping is a primary source of rubbish on Australian beaches, according to the world's largest survey of coastal rubbish.

The survey, carried out over three years by the CSIRO, Earthwatch Australia, TeachWild and petroleum giant Shell, dispels the idea that the rubbish on Australian beaches is due to ocean currents bringing the world's rubbish to our shores.

Devastating effect: 43 per cent of seabirds have ingested plastic.

"The majority of coastal debris in Australia is from Australian sources, not the high seas," the report says.

"Consumer behaviour and illegal dumping are primary causes of marine debris in Australia."