Impact of elevated nutrients in the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

Nutrient levels in inshore GBR waters are reaching levels that have caused detrimental effects to corals elsewhere, though the evidence of damage to coral communities in the Marine Park is still primarily circumstantial. Preliminary studies indicate that nutrient levels in the central GBR are almost twice as high as those in the northern more pristine waters. Whether levels of nutrients have increased in parts of the Marine Park over the past couple of decades has still not been established. Further research is required to evaluate the actual effect on GBR coral reef biota of present levels of nutrients and the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus and exposure time required to result in both short and long term damage to coral reef communities. Appropriate research and monitoring to resolve these questions are long term and costly. In the meantime, the implications of Reef deterioration are serious and consideration must now be given to ensuring that levels of nutrients do not increase in the future due to human activities.