10 August 2007 

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has emphasised the need for a continued focus on improving water quality in the Great Barrier Reef.

In releasing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s 2006 Marine Monitoring Annual Report, Executive Director Andrew Skeat said the report provided a sound baseline by which to judge future improvements in Great Barrier Reef water quality and ecosystem health.

“We now have a comprehensive water quality monitoring programme in place for the Reef,” he said.

“Data collected over the first 18 months of the monitoring programme have improved our understanding of Great Barrier Reef rivers, inshore waters, inshore reefs and seagrass ecosystems.

“We all know the quality of water entering the Reef must be improved and that there will be no quick fix. This report confirms we have a big job ahead of us.

“We are committed to continue to work with Queensland, Regional Natural Resource Management Bodies and industry to see real results on the ground.”

Mr Skeat said the Australian Government committed $6 million since July 2004 to develop and implement the Marine Monitoring Programme and had provided a further $14.2 million to extend it to 2011.

“The monitoring programme provides a critical component of the assessment of any long-term improvement in regional water quality that will occur as best land management practices are widely adopted across Great Barrier Reef catchments,” he said.

“The programme is a key action in the Australian and Queensland Government’s Reef Water Quality Protection Plan funded through the Natural Heritage Trust.”

“The Reef Water Quality Protection Plan provides the framework for improving land management practices that effect water quality in the Reef catchment.”

View the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s 2006 Marine Monitoring Annual Report.