Coastal Development

Coastal development plays a significant role in the loss of coastal habitats that support the Great Barrier Reef. Human population increases within the Great Barrier Reef catchment are expected to be nearly two per cent per annum. This will place greater pressure on the ecosystem and increase use of the Great Barrier Reef Region in the future.

Wetlands

There are 72 coastal urban centres (populations greater than 200) directly adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef coast, with four centres of populations greater than 50 000. It has been estimated that in some locations in the Great Barrier Reef catchment 70 to 90 per cent of freshwater wetlands have been lost.

Over 50 per cent of Australia’s freshwater wetlands have been significantly affected through degradation, modification or loss since European settlement. Pressure of development along the Queensland coast with associated changes in land-use practises in catchment and coastal areas competes for the use of wetland ecosystems.

Agriculture activities have had an influence on the extent of wetland loss in the Great Barrier Reef catchment through drainage, infilling, and changed wetland values. Wetland losses have occurred on floodplains throughout the Great Barrier Reef catchment. In some areas north of Cairns and in the Gulf of Carpentaria wetlands have been less disturbed due to their remoteness and lower development pressure.

Marine life

Extensive areas of habitats that support the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem have been modified or cleared.  Habitats, such as seagrass, are important feeding and breeding grounds for marine species of dugong and turtles.

The litter transported to the ocean by urban run-off may be ingested by wildlife such as marine turtles and seabirds or cause entanglement. Ingestion may interfere with feeding and cause intestinal blockages, poisoning, or other injuries that may result in death. Debris on beaches can interfere with a marine turtle’s ability to nest successfully.