Great Barrier Reef water quality
Our Great Barrier Reef marine park and World Heritage Area contributes significantly to our economy; locally, regionally and nationally.
It's the world's largest system of coral reefs and is home to extensive seagrass beds, mangrove forests, sponge gardens and a vast range of marine animals.
In the Reef catchments, land and water management practices affect water quality in local waterways, wetlands, estuaries and the Reef lagoon. Over the past 150 years, activities on the land have undergone extensive changes for urban development, agricultural production, tourism and mining. Some activities associated with this change have reduced water quality in waterways that flow into the Reef lagoon.
Printable version of Great Barrier Reef catchment and marine park map (PDF, 175 kB)*
Water quality impacts on the health of the aquatic ecosystems, the survival of dependent reef species and the viability of industries dependent on healthy waterways.
In this context, water quality describes the measurable chemical, physical and biological characteristics of the water body. Water quality can be defined for groundwater and surface (fresh and marine) water. It usually relates to the water's suitability for a particular purpose.
Water quality results from a combination of factors that influence the water body and interact within the body of water. These factors and their interactions are sometimes so varied and complex that it is not possible to define them all.
Water quality issues are being identified, monitored and addressed through a number of initiatives, including but not limited to:
- the Caring for our Country initiative.
- the Natural Heritage Trust.
- the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality.
- the Coastal Catchments Initiative and water quality improvement plans.
- the Queensland Wetlands Programme.
- Community Water Grants.
- Waterwatch Queensland.
- industry-based activities.
- community-based activities.
Last updated 19 September 2008