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Water
quality in the GBR
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plan 2007-11
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Water quality in
the Great Barrier Reef
world heritage area
"Investigating the health of the Great Barrier Reef"
Water quality is
one of the most important factors determining the long-term
health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).
In order to make informed
decisions about the status and health of the GBR, we need to
know:
- Is the water quality in the GBR changing?
- What is an acceptable amount of land-based sediment
and nutrient run-off that will not affect the health of
the GBR?
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The Water Quality Team provides
the answers to these important questions. We are determining the
current level of sediment and nutrient input to the GBR, and
estimating how these inputs have changed since European
settlement around 150 years ago. We are assessing what happens
to these sediments and nutrients within the GBR, where they go
and how they change with time. We are also investigating the
effects of these nutrients, sediments and man-made pollutants on
the marine life, and developing clear, unambiguous indicators of
coral reef health in relation to water quality. |
Our Team
The Water Quality Team uses a wide range of skills and
collaborates with other Australian and international scientists.
Team members have skills in botany, marine ecology, marine
bio-geochemistry, microbiology, oceanography, mathematics, computer
modelling, satellite remote sensing and of course SCUBA diving.
Our Research
Land based activities within the GBR catchment have increased
dramatically within the last 150 years and there are concerns, and
signs, that some inshore areas of the GBR are being adversely
affected. We are examining the GBR from satellites out in space,
from close-up by SCUBA divers, and with sensitive laboratory
techniques, to understand the connection between water quality and
the health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).
Land Based Runoff and Long Term Trends in Water Quality
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Scientists in the Water Quality Team
estimate the input of sediments and nutrients to the reef today
and in the past, using sediment cores that date back thousands
of years. Researchers are updating and maintaining the
longest and most comprehensive data set available on water
quality within the GBR, and developing new methods to monitor
long-term trends in water quality. We are investigating how the
natural nutrient cycles in the water column and sediments change
with time, and how sensitive they are to human influence.
This information is critical for the sustainable use of the
resources and benefits provided by the GBR. |
 AIMS
scientists working in the lab
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Coral Reef Health and Biological Indicators of Stress
Scientists are investigating how coral reefs respond to
increasing discharges of sediments, nutrients and pesticides. We are
studying what conditions affect the survival of new coral larvae on
reefs, and how water quality affects the biodiversity of coral
reefs.
| New indicators are
being tested for the presence of pollutants such as pesticides
and oil. Sensitive biological enzyme systems are used to see
whether apparently healthy Barramundi and coral trout have been
exposed to such pollutants.
Researchers are also are
developing new methods to assess and monitor long-term trends in
the health of coral reefs in response to changing water quality.
This Team is acquiring the
knowledge that is crucial to predict whether reefs will be fast
or slow to recover from disturbances.
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Diver
collecting data on reef health
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Computer Modelling
AIMS is a world leader in research on complex water environments
and at developing models to help understand how marine ecosystems
work. We are examining the movement of flood plumes and coastal mud
within the GBR. Computer models also enable us to predict which
reefs coral larvae can reach on ocean and tidal currents. Combining
data on coral, algal and fish abundances from the AIMS Long-Term
Monitoring Team with outputs from our model, we are able to predict
the possible impacts of mud and nutrients on GBR coral biodiversity
and health. These models are the interface between physicists and
biologists and help to explain the complex natural world in ways we
can more easily understand.
Contact
Dr Bretta
Schaffelke, Team
Leader
Telephone: (07) 4753 4382
Fax: (07) 4772 5852
Email:
b.schaffelke@aims.gov.au
December 10, 2004
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