Chapter 15 - Managing Water Quality for the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

This chapter reviews the management of water quality in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) over the past 15 years. The GBR is listed as a World Heritage site for its outstanding universal value, meeting all four natural criteria for listing. Yet the status of its iconic species and ecosystems continues to decline due to poor water quality, climate change and extreme weather events. Concerted efforts by the Australian and Queensland governments to improve water quality over the last 15 years have failed to deliver measurable improvements to the health of inshore ecosystems. In this period, four phases of bilateral water-quality planning and programs have developed scientifically robust targets and reporting systems. Programs have largely relied on suasive mechanisms to facilitate the adoption of improved agricultural practices with lower water-quality risks. Yet even 100% adoption of improved practices will not achieve the water-quality targets necessary to support the GBR in the face of growing climate change impacts. Our conclusion is that, despite the strong science and partnerships that support reef policy and programs, greater effort is needed to overcome constraints to current management approaches and to employ the additional policy measures required to help sustain the GBR into the future.