Management Concern: Moderate    

Adequacy of Information: Good

Summary extracts from Outlook Report 2009

• Freshwater flows may be affected by drainage patterns in the catchment 
  
• Rainfall is highly variable both within and between years along the Great Barrier Reef. Whilst there is no consensus amongst scientists in regard to projections of changes in average rainfall, it is likely that there will be increased intensity in both high rainfall events and droughts. A decline in annual rainfall and higher evaporation would likely reduce run-off to rivers, including the Fitzroy and Burdekin Rivers.
  

What do we know?

Relevant pages from Outlook Online include:

• Freshwater flows to the Great Barrier Reef
• Freshwater discharge to the Great Barrier Reef
• Composition and distribution of flood plumes in the Great Barrier Reef 
• Submarine groundwater discharge into the near-shore zone of the Great Barrier Reef
• Likely reductions in rainfall and higher evaporation leading to reduced run-off 

Existing policies and management actions

• Reef Rescue Marine Monitoring Program
• Improving water quality
• Coastal ecosystem protection
• Australian Government policy on climate change 
• Queensland Government climate change policies and strategies 
• Climate Change Action Plan 2007-2012

Future management requirements

• Future management requirements in this area are being guided by ongoing assessment of emerging research outcomes and issues identified by the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2009.

Defined research questions

• What will be the effects of predicted higher rainfall intensity on freshwater inflow and therefore on the tropical marine ecosystem?

Related information

• Current Research and Monitoring