Water Quality & Coastal Development

Protection of ecological systems of the Great Barrier Reef from pollutants is recognised as one of the major challenges facing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Achievement of this goal is difficult as most water quality problems are a consequence of practices that are not under the direct control of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Key Issues

Twenty-six major river catchments comprising approximately 25 per cent of the land area of Queensland drain directly into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Run-off resulting from land based agriculture, urban development and aquaculture is the largest impact affecting the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef.

	Coastal development The coastal zone contains the majority of tourism infrastructure, ports and harbours, urban and resort development and industrial development. Coastal development along the Queensland coast adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef is increasing. Coastal development may lead to the clearing of important wetlands, mangroves and other vegetation in catchment areas making it easier for pollutants to reach the Great Barrier Reef. More information
	Wetlands Freshwater and coastal wetlands support a diverse range of life, providing habitat, breeding and nursery areas for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and many fish species, such as barramundi and mangrove jack. Wetlands also perform a water retention role during heavy rainfall, protecting the Great Barrier Reef from excessive inputs of sediment and nutrients. Over 50 per cent of Australia's wetlands have been significantly effected through degradation or loss since European settlement. More information
	Aquaculture Aquaculture facilities located within and next to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park produce a range of marine and freshwater species including pearl and edible oysters, prawns and barramundi. Most of Queensland's coastal aquaculture facilities are pond-based with the majority producing prawns. More information
	Agriculture Agricultural activities include the farming of animals and the growing of crops. Today, 80 per cent of the land along the entire length of Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area supports agricultural production. Most of this production is cattle grazing and cropping. More information
	Shipping The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park contains important commercial trading routes and approximately 6000 ships transit within the Great Barrier Reef annually. Oil or chemical spills following a shipping incident have the potential to cause serious environmental damage. However, waste products and garbage from the day-to-day operation of ships can also pollute the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. More information