Position statement: Water quality (Document no. 100516)

Abstract

Poor water quality is a major threat to the Great Barrier Reef, particularly inshore areas. Improving the quality of water entering the Marine Park is critical and urgent. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority supports actions that reduce pollutant loads from all land-based sources. Good water quality is critical for maintaining the Great Barrier Reef as one of the most beautiful, diverse and complex ecosystems in the world. Since European settlement, Reef water quality has declined due to coastal development and agricultural activities in adjacent catchments. This decline in water quality is a major contributor to the current poor state of many inshore marine ecosystems.