Ten years of satellite data shows land management key to protecting the Reef

Scientists have published research this week in the international journal, Marine Pollution Bulletin that reinforces the need for improved land management practices in order to prevent unnecessary sediment runoff that is affecting the health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

The study used a variety of new and improved techniques to analyse ten years of satellite data of the water clarity in the reef waters off the Burdekin coast. By removing the variability in water clarity caused by waves and other physical forces, the researchers were able to detect what particular influence river run-off has on reef.

"The study shows that large river flood events have a large impact on water quality, reaching very far off the coast and lasting several months," said AIMS Research Program Leader, Dr Schaffelke.

The photosynthetic algae that live on corals and which gives coral reefs their vibrant colours are reliant on the sun to survive. Sea grasses – important food for mammals and fish - are also dependent on the sun and a high level of sediment in the water can damage them or kill them by blocking the sun's rays. Sedimentation can also physically block other marine organism's ability to breathe. Marine plants and animals are highly sensitive to changes in water quality.

"This study shows that improved land management practices can result in a win-win outcome. The retention of nutrients, clays and fine silts in the catchments near the Burdekin River on the East coast of Australia would not only safe-guard the long-term productivity of farms, but also improve water clarity and ecosystem health in the central GBR, during the wet and dry seasons" added Dr Britta Schaffelke.

The research provides a vital link between the understanding of how land use influences river loads of nutrients and fine sediments and the current scientific knowledge of the importance of water clarity for marine organisms.

The study conducted by a team of scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University and the University of Queensland. The research was funded by the Australian Government's National Environmental Research Program.

For further information or an interview, please contact Dr Britta Schaffelke: b.schaffelke@aims.gov.au; 0427029464.

The published paper can be accessed at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X14002902