Nutrient loading to the Great Barrier Reef region: IAWPRC Conference on water quality and management for recreation and tourism

Abstract

Fundamental to effective water quality management is an understanding of the relationships existing between biotic and abiotic components . of the aquatic environment. Such an understanding constitutes the basis for informed environmental management. The major components of the management process can be identified as follows: Identify beneficial uses of the water body to be protected (includes ecosystem preservation). Determine tolerance thresholds for physical, chemical and biological variables which are compatible with the protection of defined uses. Set physical, chemical and biological criteria consistent with the maintenance of the desired condition. Initiate management practices to control inputs of substances such that desired water quality criteria are maintained. Management can be achieved by: diffuse source pollution control, setting point source effluent quality standards.