1
|
D'Olivo JP, McCulloch M. Impact of European settlement and land use changes on Great Barrier Reef river catchments reconstructed from long-term coral Ba/Ca records. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154461. [PMID: 35278559 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The increase in sediment and nutrient loads entering the coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and the associated degradation of water quality represents a major threat to coral reefs. Although the strengthening of preventative management strategies remains a priority, there is a general lack of terrestrial runoff baseline information with respect to the spatial and temporal severity of disturbances associated with ongoing European-style land use practices. Here we use new and existing high-resolution coral Ba/Ca and luminescence records from the central Cairns region to the southern GBR shelf to reconstruct sediment fluxes discharged into the GBR from before European settlement in the 1860s to the present-day. Since the commencement of European settlement in the 1860s we document a tripling of flood-plume suspended sediment loads delivered by the Burdekin River to the GBR lagoon relative to 'natural' pre-European baseline levels. We show that this is indicative of a much more extreme degradation of the river catchments than hitherto appreciated with intensified discharge events particularly from the central and southern catchments carrying higher sediment loads. More-over from the 1930s onwards the Burdekin River, the largest source of both sediment and freshwater to the GBR, has also exhibited a progressive northwards expansion of its flood plume. This, together with increased variability of freshwater inputs indicated by coral luminescence records, now shows that the inner GBR not only continues to be impacted by increasing sediment/nutrient loads but is also subject to higher intensity river discharge events due to the loss of ground cover causing increased overland runoff and erosion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo D'Olivo
- Institute of Geological Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 12249, Germany.
| | - Malcolm McCulloch
- The ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Adame MF, Vilas MP, Franklin H, Garzon-Garcia A, Hamilton D, Ronan M, Griffiths M. A conceptual model of nitrogen dynamics for the Great Barrier Reef catchments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112909. [PMID: 34592504 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) from anthropogenic sources has been identified as a major pollutant of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. We developed a conceptual framework to synthesise and visualise the fate and transport of N from the catchments to the sea from a literature review. The framework was created to fit managers and policymakers' requirements to reduce N in the GBR catchments. We used this framework to determine the N stocks and transformations (input, sources, and outputs) for ecosystems commonly found in the GBR: rainforests, palustrine wetlands, lakes, rivers (in-stream), mangroves and seagrasses. We included transformations of N such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, mineralisation, anammox, sedimentation, plant uptake, and food web transfers. This model can be applied to other ecosystems to understand the transport and fate of N within and between catchments. Importantly, this approach can guide management actions that attenuate N at different scales and locations within the GBR ecosystems. Finally, when combined with local hydrological modelling, this framework can be used to predict outcomes of management activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M F Adame
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan 4111, QLD, Australia.
| | - M P Vilas
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Brisbane, 4000, QLD, Australia
| | - H Franklin
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan 4111, QLD, Australia
| | - A Garzon-Garcia
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan 4111, QLD, Australia; Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Brisbane, 4000, QLD, Australia
| | - D Hamilton
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan 4111, QLD, Australia
| | - M Ronan
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Brisbane, 4000, QLD, Australia
| | - M Griffiths
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Brisbane, 4000, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Garzon-Garcia A, Burton JM, Lewis S, Bainbridge Z, De Hayr R, Moody P, Brodie J. The bioavailability of nitrogen associated with sediment in riverine plumes of the Great Barrier Reef. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112910. [PMID: 34536704 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study quantified the bioavailable nitrogen contribution from riverine plumes to Great Barrier Reef (GBR) coastal environments. The potential bioavailable nitrogen from two Dry Tropics riverine plumes was considerable [9 - 30% added to the end-of-catchment dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) load]. Particulate inorganic nitrogen conversion to DIN was an important process in short timeframes (25% to 100% of the generated load). The remaining load was contributed by microbial mineralisation of organic nitrogen. Flood plume sediment has potential to generate nitrogen once deposited and/or resuspended. Nitrogen generation was insignificant in a few plumes where immobilisation of nitrogen in bacteria biomass occurred. The source of organic matter in the plumes and availability of nitrogen relative to organic matter were important determinants of mineralisation/immobilisation. This research demonstrates that riverine plumes have potential to be considerable sources of bioavailable nitrogen to coastal environments of the GBR and that organic matter is a key bioavailability driver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Garzon-Garcia
- Department of Environment and Science, PO Box 5078, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; Australian Rivers Institute, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia.
| | - Joanne M Burton
- Department of Environment and Science, PO Box 5078, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; Australian Rivers Institute, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Stephen Lewis
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville Q 4811, Australia
| | - Zoe Bainbridge
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville Q 4811, Australia
| | - Rob De Hayr
- Department of Environment and Science, PO Box 5078, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Philip Moody
- Department of Environment and Science, PO Box 5078, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Jon Brodie
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville Q 4811, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marion GS, Jupiter SD, Radice VZ, Albert S, Hoegh-Guldberg O. Linking isotopic signatures of nitrogen in nearshore coral skeletons with sources in catchment runoff. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113054. [PMID: 34744009 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We use a multi-tracer approach to identify catchment sources of nitrogen (N) in the skeletons of nearshore Porites corals within the Great Barrier Reef. We measured δ15N, δ13C and C:N ratios of particulate organic matter (POM) sampled from the Pioneer River catchment and identified five distinct end-members: (1) marine planktonic and algal-dominated matter with higher δ15N values from the river mouth and coastal waters; (2) estuarine planktonic and algal matter with lower δ15N values associated with estuarine mixing; (3) lower river freshwater phytoplankton and algal-dominated matter in stratified reservoirs adjacent to catchment weirs, with the 15N-enriched source likely caused by microbial remineralization and denitrification; (4) upper river low δ15N terrigenous soil matter eroded from cane fields bordering waterways; and (5) terrestrial plant detrital matter in forest streams, representing a low δ15N fixed atmospheric nitrogen source. The δ15N values of adjacent, nearshore Porites coral skeletons is reflective of POM composition in coastal waters, with 15N-enriched values reflective of transformed N during flood pulses from the Pioneer River.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy S Marion
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Stacy D Jupiter
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia; Wildlife Conservation Society, Melanesia Program, 11 Ma'afu St, Suva, Fiji.
| | - Veronica Z Radice
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Simon Albert
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
McCloskey GL, Baheerathan R, Dougall C, Ellis R, Bennett FR, Waters D, Darr S, Fentie B, Hateley LR, Askildsen M. Modelled estimates of dissolved inorganic nitrogen exported to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112655. [PMID: 34265552 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Measuring stream pollutant loads across the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment area (GBRCA) is challenging due to the spatial extent, climate variability, changing land use and evolving land management practices, and cost. Thus, models are used to estimate baseline pollutant loads. The eWater Source modelling framework is coupled with agricultural paddock scale models and the GBR Dynamic SedNet plugin to simulate dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) generation and transport processes across the GBRCA. Catchment scale monitoring of flow and loads are used to calibrate the models, and performance is assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Modelling indicates almost half (47%) of the total modelled DIN load exported to the GBR lagoon is from the Wet Tropics, and almost half of the total modelled DIN load is from sugarcane areas. We demonstrate that using locally developed, customised models coupled with a complementary monitoring program can produce reliable estimates of pollutant loads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G L McCloskey
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia.
| | - R Baheerathan
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - C Dougall
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - R Ellis
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - F R Bennett
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - D Waters
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - S Darr
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - B Fentie
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - L R Hateley
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - M Askildsen
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Canto MM, Fabricius KE, Logan M, Lewis S, McKinna LIW, Robson BJ. A benthic light index of water quality in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112539. [PMID: 34153875 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Good water quality is essential to the health of marine ecosystems, yet current metrics used to track water quality in the Great Barrier Reef are not strongly tied to ecological outcomes. There is a need for a better water quality index (WQI). Benthic irradiance, the amount of light reaching the seafloor, is critical for coral and seagrass health and is strongly affected by water quality. It therefore represents a strong candidate for use as a water quality indicator. Here, we introduce a new index based on remote sensing benthic light (bPAR) from ocean color. Resulting bPAR index timeseries, based on the extent to which the observed bPAR fell short of the locally- and seasonally-specific optimum, showed strong spatial and temporal variability, which was consistent with the dynamics that govern changes in water clarity in the Great Barrier Reef. Our new index is ecologically relevant, responsive to changes in light availability and provides a robust metric that may complement current Great Barrier Reef water quality metrics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marites M Canto
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Katharina E Fabricius
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Murray Logan
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Stephen Lewis
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, Catchment to Reef Research Group, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Lachlan I W McKinna
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Go2Q Pty Ltd, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Barbara J Robson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Howley C, Shellberg J, Olley J, Brooks A, Spencer J, Burford M. Sediment and nutrient sources and sinks in a wet-dry tropical catchment draining to the Great Barrier Reef. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 165:112080. [PMID: 33740597 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many tropical river systems have altered water quality due to human land use, impacting the biodiversity of freshwater and coastal ecosystems. Long-term, catchment-scale monitoring is needed to understand pollutant sources, controls, and trends. This 12-year study monitored baseflow and flood event nutrient and sediment concentrations, and estimated sediment loads across the Normanby Basin in northern Australia. Suspended sediment concentrations and yields were highest in upper catchment areas where cattle grazing occurred on erosion-prone sodic soils. Mid- and lower catchment rivers and floodplains were a sink for sediments and nutrients, trapping around 75% of suspended sediments during events. Clays (<4 μm) were preferentially transported to the estuary, with an estimated 46% sediment delivery ratio. In the estuary, suspended sediment concentrations were influenced by tidal resuspension processes and there were significant sources of DIN. These findings can help prioritise land management investments for the protection of Great Barrier Reef and freshwater ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Howley
- Howley Environmental Consulting, Cooktown, Qld 4895, Australia; Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia.
| | - J Shellberg
- Shell Hydrologic, Cooktown, Qld 4985, Australia
| | - J Olley
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia
| | - A Brooks
- Centre for Coastal Management, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia
| | - J Spencer
- Centre for Coastal Management, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia
| | - M Burford
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McCloskey GL, Baheerathan R, Dougall C, Ellis R, Bennett FR, Waters D, Darr S, Fentie B, Hateley LR, Askildsen M. Modelled estimates of fine sediment and particulate nutrients delivered from the Great Barrier Reef catchments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 165:112163. [PMID: 33640848 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The eWater Source modelling framework has been modified to support the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Dynamic SedNet catchment modelling concept, which is used to simulate fine sediment and particulate nutrient generation, loss, and transport processes across GBR catchments. Catchment scale monitored data sets are used to calibrate and evaluate models. Model performance is assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Modelling predicts that approximately half of generated sediment is delivered to the GBR lagoon; the remainder is deposited on floodplains, trapped in reservoirs or lost through other minor processes (e.g. irrigation extractions). Gullies are the major source of sediment, with comparable contributions from hillslopes and streambanks. Hillslope sources are considered the major source of particulate nutrients across the GBR catchments. We demonstrate that using locally developed, customised models coupled with a complementary monitoring program can produce credible modelled estimates of pollutant loads and provide a platform for testing catchment scale assumptions and scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G L McCloskey
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia.
| | - R Baheerathan
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - C Dougall
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - R Ellis
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - F R Bennett
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - D Waters
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - S Darr
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - B Fentie
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - L R Hateley
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - M Askildsen
- Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bahadori M, Chen C, Lewis S, Rezaei Rashti M, Cook F, Parnell A, Esfandbod M, Boyd S. A novel approach of combining isotopic and geochemical signatures to differentiate the sources of sediments and particulate nutrients from different land uses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 655:129-140. [PMID: 30469057 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Determining the source of sediments and associated nutrients from terrestrial to aquatic environments is critical for managing the detrimental impacts of soil erosion and loss of nutrients from terrestrial into aquatic environment. However, tracing the source of particulate nutrients from different land uses has not been adequately carried out due to methodological difficulties in separating sources, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment. The objective of this study was to develop a method to differentiate the sources of particulate nutrients from soils collected from different land uses (combination of beef and dairy grazing, sugarcane, forest and banana) using both geochemical and isotopic signatures. In order to select a discriminative group of signatures, all soil samples collected from each of the land use areas were fractionated to <63 μm size fraction and were analysed for both isotopic (δ13C, δ15N) and acid extractable geochemical properties (e.g. Zn, Pt and S). Considering the fact that the outcome of tracing models often depends on the type and robustness of the methods used, here we have employed a stable isotope mixing model (SIAR) to evaluate if the suite of selected elements could be used to estimate the relative contribution of different sources for a series of five virtually created sediment mixtures. For the five groups of virtual sediments, the SIAR model provided close estimates to the contribution values of sediment sources with the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) varying from 0.30 to 2.88%. Results from this study show for the first time that the combined use of isotopic and geochemical signatures enable the SIAR model to provide an accurate estimation of source apportionment where a variety of land uses needs to be investigated and shows promise as a valuable new sediment and particulate nutrient tracing tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bahadori
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Chengrong Chen
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia.
| | - Stephen Lewis
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, Catchment to Reef Research Group, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Mehran Rezaei Rashti
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Freeman Cook
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; Freeman Cook & Associates Pty Ltd, Australia
| | | | - Maryam Esfandbod
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Sue Boyd
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lam VYY, Chaloupka M, Thompson A, Doropoulos C, Mumby PJ. Acute drivers influence recent inshore Great Barrier Reef dynamics. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.2063. [PMID: 30404884 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of habitat-forming organisms is fundamental to managing natural ecosystems. Most studies of coral reef dynamics have focused on clear-water systems though corals inhabit many turbid regions. Here, we illustrate the key drivers of an inshore coral reef ecosystem using 10 years of biological, environmental, and disturbance data. Tropical cyclones, crown-of-thorns starfish, and coral bleaching are recognized as the major drivers of coral loss at mid- and offshore reefs along the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). In comparison, little is known about what drives temporal trends at inshore reefs closer to major anthropogenic stress. We assessed coral cover dynamics using state-space models within six major inshore GBR catchments. An overall decline was detected in nearly half (46%) of the 15 reefs at two depths (30 sites), while the rest exhibited fluctuating (23%), static (17%), or positive (13%) trends. Inshore reefs responded similarly to their offshore counterparts, where contemporary trends were predominantly influenced by acute disturbance events. Storms emerged as the major driver affecting the inshore GBR, with the effects of other drivers such as disease, juvenile coral density, and macroalgal and turf per cent cover varying from one catchment to another. Flooding was also associated with negative trends in live coral cover in two southern catchments, but the mechanism remains unclear as it is not reflected in available metrics of water quality and may act through indirect pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Y Y Lam
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia .,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Milani Chaloupka
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Ecological Modelling Services Pty Ltd, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Angus Thompson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher Doropoulos
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia .,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Novic AJ, Ort C, O'Brien DS, Lewis SE, Davis AM, Mueller JF. Understanding the uncertainty of estimating herbicide and nutrient mass loads in a flood event with guidance on estimator selection. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 132:99-110. [PMID: 29310032 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.12.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to understand the uncertainty of estimating loads for observed herbicides and nutrients during a flood event and provide guidance on estimator selection. A high-resolution grab sampling campaign (258 samples over 100 h) was conducted during a flood event in a tropical waterway in Queensland, Australia. Ten herbicides and three nutrient compounds were detected at elevated concentrations. Each had a unique chemograph with differences in transport processes (e.g. dependence on flow, dilution processes and timing of concentration pulses). Resampling from the data set was used to assess uncertainty. Bias existed at lower sampling efforts but depended on estimator properties as sampling effort increased: the interpolation, ratio and regression estimators became unbiased. Large differences were observed in precision and the importance of sampling effort and estimator selection depended on the relationship between the chemograph and hydrograph. The variety of transport processes observed and the resultant variability in uncertainty suggest that useful load estimates can only be obtained with sufficient samples and appropriate estimator selection. We provide a rationale to show the latter can be guided across sampling periods by selecting an estimator where the sampling regime or the relationship between the chemograph and hydrograph meet its assumptions: interpolation becomes more correct as sampling effort increases and the ratio becomes more correct as the r2 correlation between flux and flow increases (e.g. > 0.9); a stratified composite sampling approach, even with random samples, is a promising alternative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Joseph Novic
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - Christoph Ort
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, CH 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Dominique S O'Brien
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, ATSIP, DB145, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Stephen E Lewis
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, ATSIP, DB145, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Aaron M Davis
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, ATSIP, DB145, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Star M, Rolfe J, East M, Beutel T, McCosker K, Ellis R, Darr S, Coughlin T. Can paddock scale data integration achieve more cost effective outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef? A case study in the Fitzroy Basin. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 202:461-468. [PMID: 28420556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The decline in health of the Great Barrier Reef and the pressure on allocating funds efficiently has increased efforts to prioritise where public funds are invested. The Fitzroy basin and coastal catchments is 152,000 square kilometres and geographically diverse. Past work has identified that sediment loads leaving the catchment are posing a high risk to the ongoing health of the Reef and that there is a need to prioritise funds to achieve cost effective outcomes. In this paper we aim to present an alternative approach to effective prioritisation of sediment reductions. The approach integrates spatial information regarding the sediment source and process, levels of adoption, bare ground cover, and cost into a function to rank neighbourhood catchments. The results demonstrate the complexity of the issue and the challenge the Fitzroy Basin Association faces when allocating funds. They also illustrate that there are effective opportunities in particular priority areas within the catchment in which on-ground actions could be undertaken, proving it to be a useful approach in prioritising future investments aimed at achieving cost effective sediment reductions to the Reef.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Star
- Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Rockhampton, 4701, Queensland, Australia; CQUniversity, Rockhampton, 4701, Queensland, Australia.
| | - John Rolfe
- CQUniversity, Rockhampton, 4701, Queensland, Australia
| | - Miriam East
- Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Rockhampton, 4701, Queensland, Australia; University of New England, Armidale 2350, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Terry Beutel
- CQUniversity, Rockhampton, 4701, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Robin Ellis
- Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Rockhampton, 4701, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shaun Darr
- Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Rockhampton, 4701, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tom Coughlin
- Fitzroy Basin Association, Rockhampton, 4701, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Álvarez-Vázquez MÁ, Prego R, Caetano M, De Uña-Álvarez E, Doval M, Calvo S, Vale C. Contributions of trace elements to the sea by small uncontaminated rivers: Effects of a water reservoir and a wastewater treatment plant. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 178:173-186. [PMID: 28324839 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Trace element contributions from small rivers to estuaries is an issue barely addressed in the literature. In this work, freshwater flowing into the Ria of Cedeira (NW Iberian Peninsula) was studied during a hydrological year through the input from three rivers, one considered uncontaminated (the Das-Mestas River), a second affected by urban treated wastewater discharges (the Condomiñas River), and the third containing a water reservoir for urban supply (the Forcadas River). With the objective of assessing the possible influence of human pressure, the annual yields for selected trace elements (Al, Fe, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni and Pb) were estimated and compared by normalizing by basin surface. Both dissolved and particulate transported elements were considered. After the data treatment and analysis it can be highlighted that: (i) the Das Mestas River is suitable to be included between the short European pristine baseline of small rivers, at least regarding the transported trace elements; (ii) natural enrichments were identified associated to the lithology of the basin in the Das-Mestas River (i.e. As) and in the Condomiñas River (i.e. Co, Cr and Ni); this fact highlights the importance of considering the local background for a proper assessment; (iii) the impoundment in the Forcadas River is related with a general decrease, even depletion, of the particulate and dissolved transported trace elements, except Mn; (iv) the discharge of sewage to the Condomiñas River is increasing the inputs to the ria of some trace elements in the particulate phase (i.e. Al, Cu and Pb). Both observed human-induced changes can be regarded as typical disturbances of trace element contributions from small rivers to estuaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Álvarez-Vázquez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC), 36208, Vigo, Spain; Área de Geografía Física, Grupo GEAAT, Campus de Ourense (UVigo), 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - Ricardo Prego
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC), 36208, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Miguel Caetano
- Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA), 1495-006, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elena De Uña-Álvarez
- Área de Geografía Física, Grupo GEAAT, Campus de Ourense (UVigo), 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - Maryló Doval
- INTECMAR (Xunta de Galicia), 36611, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Spain
| | - Susana Calvo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC), 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - Carlos Vale
- Marine and Environmental Research Center (CIIMAR), 4050-123, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Novic AJ, O'Brien DS, Kaserzon SL, Hawker DW, Lewis SE, Mueller JF. Monitoring Herbicide Concentrations and Loads during a Flood Event: A Comparison of Grab Sampling with Passive Sampling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:3880-3891. [PMID: 28192998 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The suitability of passive samplers (Chemcatcher) as an alternative to grab sampling in estimating time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations and total loads of herbicides was assessed. Grab sampling complemented deployments of passive samplers in a tropical waterway in Queensland, Australia, before, during and after a flood event. Good agreement was observed between the two sampling modes in estimating TWA concentrations that was independent of herbicide concentrations ranging over 2 orders of magnitude. In a flood-specific deployment, passive sampler TWA concentrations underestimated mean grab sampler (n = 258) derived concentrations of atrazine, diuron, ametryn, and metolachlor by an average factor of 1.29. No clear trends were evident in the ratios of load estimates from passive samplers relative to grab samples that ranged between 0.3 and 1.8 for these analytes because of the limitations of using TWA concentrations to derive flow-weighted loads. Stratification of deployments by flow however generally resulted in noticeable improvements in passive sampler load estimates. By considering the magnitude of the uncertainty (interquartile range and the root-mean-squared error) of load estimates a modeling exercise showed that passive samplers were a viable alternative to grab sampling since between 3 and 17 grab samples were needed before grab sampling results had less uncertainty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Joseph Novic
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland , 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Dominique S O'Brien
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, ATSIP, DB145, James Cook University , Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Sarit L Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland , 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Darryl W Hawker
- Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University , 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Stephen E Lewis
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, ATSIP, DB145, James Cook University , Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland , 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Saha N, Webb GE, Zhao JX. Coral skeletal geochemistry as a monitor of inshore water quality. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 566-567:652-684. [PMID: 27239711 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs maintain extraordinary biodiversity and provide protection from tsunamis and storm surge, but inshore coral reef health is degrading in many regions due to deteriorating water quality. Deconvolving natural and anthropogenic changes to water quality is hampered by the lack of long term, dated water quality data but such records are required for forward modelling of reef health to aid their management. Reef corals provide an excellent archive of high resolution geochemical (trace element) proxies that can span hundreds of years and potentially provide records used through the Holocene. Hence, geochemical proxies in corals hold great promise for understanding changes in ancient water quality that can inform broader oceanographic and climatic changes in a given region. This article reviews and highlights the use of coral-based trace metal archives, including metal transported from rivers to the ocean, incorporation of trace metals into coral skeletons and the current 'state of the art' in utilizing coral trace metal proxies as tools for monitoring various types of local and regional source-specific pollution (river discharge, land use changes, dredging and dumping, mining, oil spills, antifouling paints, atmospheric sources, sewage). The three most commonly used coral trace element proxies (i.e., Ba/Ca, Mn/Ca, and Y/Ca) are closely associated with river runoff in the Great Barrier Reef, but considerable uncertainty remains regarding their complex biogeochemical cycling and controlling mechanisms. However, coral-based water quality reconstructions have suffered from a lack of understanding of so-called vital effects and early marine diagenesis. The main challenge is to identify and eliminate the influence of extraneous local factors in order to allow accurate water quality reconstructions and to develop alternate proxies to monitor water pollution. Rare earth elements have great potential as they are self-referencing and reflect basic terrestrial input.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Narottam Saha
- School of Earth Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Gregory E Webb
- School of Earth Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jian-Xin Zhao
- School of Earth Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Effects of High Dissolved Inorganic and Organic Carbon Availability on the Physiology of the Hard Coral Acropora millepora from the Great Barrier Reef. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149598. [PMID: 26959499 PMCID: PMC4784739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are facing major global and local threats due to climate change-induced increases in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and because of land-derived increases in organic and inorganic nutrients. Recent research revealed that high availability of labile dissolved organic carbon (DOC) negatively affects scleractinian corals. Studies on the interplay of these factors, however, are lacking, but urgently needed to understand coral reef functioning under present and near future conditions. This experimental study investigated the individual and combined effects of ambient and high DIC (pCO2 403 μatm/ pHTotal 8.2 and 996 μatm/pHTotal 7.8) and DOC (added as Glucose 0 and 294 μmol L-1, background DOC concentration of 83 μmol L-1) availability on the physiology (net and gross photosynthesis, respiration, dark and light calcification, and growth) of the scleractinian coral Acropora millepora (Ehrenberg, 1834) from the Great Barrier Reef over a 16 day interval. High DIC availability did not affect photosynthesis, respiration and light calcification, but significantly reduced dark calcification and growth by 50 and 23%, respectively. High DOC availability reduced net and gross photosynthesis by 51% and 39%, respectively, but did not affect respiration. DOC addition did not influence calcification, but significantly increased growth by 42%. Combination of high DIC and high DOC availability did not affect photosynthesis, light calcification, respiration or growth, but significantly decreased dark calcification when compared to both controls and DIC treatments. On the ecosystem level, high DIC concentrations may lead to reduced accretion and growth of reefs dominated by Acropora that under elevated DOC concentrations will likely exhibit reduced primary production rates, ultimately leading to loss of hard substrate and reef erosion. It is therefore important to consider the potential impacts of elevated DOC and DIC simultaneously to assess real world scenarios, as multiple rather than single factors influence key physiological processes in coral reefs.
Collapse
|
17
|
Bartley R, Bainbridge ZT, Lewis SE, Kroon FJ, Wilkinson SN, Brodie JE, Silburn DM. Relating sediment impacts on coral reefs to watershed sources, processes and management: a review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 468-469:1138-1153. [PMID: 24121565 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Modification of terrestrial sediment fluxes can result in increased sedimentation and turbidity in receiving waters, with detrimental impacts on coral reef ecosystems. Preventing anthropogenic sediment reaching coral reefs requires a better understanding of the specific characteristics, sources and processes generating the anthropogenic sediment, so that effective watershed management strategies can be implemented. Here, we review and synthesise research on measured runoff, sediment erosion and sediment delivery from watersheds to near-shore marine areas, with a strong focus on the Burdekin watershed in the Great Barrier Reef region, Australia. We first investigate the characteristics of sediment that pose the greatest risk to coral reef ecosystems. Next we track this sediment back from the marine system into the watershed to determine the storage zones, source areas and processes responsible for sediment generation and run-off. The review determined that only a small proportion of the sediment that has been eroded from the watershed makes it to the mid and outer reefs. The sediment transported >1 km offshore is generally the clay to fine silt (<4-16 μm) fraction, yet there is considerable potential for other terrestrially derived sediment fractions (<63 μm) to be stored in the near-shore zone and remobilised during wind and tide driven re-suspension. The specific source of the fine clay sediments is still under investigation; however, the Bowen, Upper Burdekin and Lower Burdekin sub-watersheds appear to be the dominant source of the clay and fine silt fractions. Sub-surface erosion is the dominant process responsible for the fine sediment exported from these watersheds in recent times, although further work on the particle size of this material is required. Maintaining average minimum ground cover >75% will likely be required to reduce runoff and prevent sub-soil erosion; however, it is not known whether ground cover management alone will reduce sediment supply to ecologically acceptable levels.
Collapse
|
18
|
Álvarez-Romero JG, Devlin M, Teixeira da Silva E, Petus C, Ban NC, Pressey RL, Kool J, Roberts JJ, Cerdeira-Estrada S, Wenger AS, Brodie J. A novel approach to model exposure of coastal-marine ecosystems to riverine flood plumes based on remote sensing techniques. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2013; 119:194-207. [PMID: 23500022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 01/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Increased loads of land-based pollutants are a major threat to coastal-marine ecosystems. Identifying the affected marine areas and the scale of influence on ecosystems is critical to assess the impacts of degraded water quality and to inform planning for catchment management and marine conservation. Studies using remotely-sensed data have contributed to our understanding of the occurrence and influence of river plumes, and to our ability to assess exposure of marine ecosystems to land-based pollutants. However, refinement of plume modeling techniques is required to improve risk assessments. We developed a novel, complementary, approach to model exposure of coastal-marine ecosystems to land-based pollutants. We used supervised classification of MODIS-Aqua true-color satellite imagery to map the extent of plumes and to qualitatively assess the dispersal of pollutants in plumes. We used the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the world's largest coral reef system, to test our approach. We combined frequency of plume occurrence with spatially distributed loads (based on a cost-distance function) to create maps of exposure to suspended sediment and dissolved inorganic nitrogen. We then compared annual exposure maps (2007-2011) to assess inter-annual variability in the exposure of coral reefs and seagrass beds to these pollutants. We found this method useful to map plumes and qualitatively assess exposure to land-based pollutants. We observed inter-annual variation in exposure of ecosystems to pollutants in the GBR, stressing the need to incorporate a temporal component into plume exposure/risk models. Our study contributes to our understanding of plume spatial-temporal dynamics of the GBR and offers a method that can also be applied to monitor exposure of coastal-marine ecosystems to plumes and explore their ecological influences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge G Álvarez-Romero
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Devlin M, Schaffelke B. Catchment-to-reef continuum: Case studies from the Great Barrier Reef. A special issue--Marine Pollution Bulletin 2012. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 65:77-80. [PMID: 22626622 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
|
20
|
Carroll C, Waters D, Vardy S, Silburn DM, Attard S, Thorburn PJ, Davis AM, Halpin N, Schmidt M, Wilson B, Clark A. A Paddock to reef monitoring and modelling framework for the Great Barrier Reef: Paddock and catchment component. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 65:136-149. [PMID: 22277580 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Revised: 11/20/2011] [Accepted: 11/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Targets for improvements in water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) have been set through the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan). To measure and report on progress towards the targets set a program has been established that combines monitoring and modelling at paddock through to catchment and reef scales; the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program (Paddock to Reef Program). This program aims to provide evidence of links between land management activities, water quality and reef health. Five lines of evidence are used: the effectiveness of management practices to improve water quality; the prevalence of management practice adoption and change in catchment indicators; long-term monitoring of catchment water quality; paddock & catchment modelling to provide a relative assessment of progress towards meeting targets; and finally marine monitoring of GBR water quality and reef ecosystem health. This paper outlines the first four lines of evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Carroll
- Queensland Department of Environment and Natural Resources Management, PO Box 1762, Rockhampton, QLD 4700, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Brodie JE, Kroon FJ, Schaffelke B, Wolanski EC, Lewis SE, Devlin MJ, Bohnet IC, Bainbridge ZT, Waterhouse J, Davis AM. Terrestrial pollutant runoff to the Great Barrier Reef: An update of issues, priorities and management responses. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 65:81-100. [PMID: 22257553 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is a World Heritage Area and contains extensive areas of coral reef, seagrass meadows and fisheries resources. From adjacent catchments, numerous rivers discharge pollutants from agricultural, urban, mining and industrial activity. Pollutant sources have been identified and include suspended sediment from erosion in cattle grazing areas; nitrate from fertiliser application on crop lands; and herbicides from various land uses. The fate and effects of these pollutants in the receiving marine environment are relatively well understood. The Australian and Queensland Governments responded to the concerns of pollution of the GBR from catchment runoff with a plan to address this issue in 2003 (Reef Plan; updated 2009), incentive-based voluntary management initiatives in 2007 (Reef Rescue) and a State regulatory approach in 2009, the Reef Protection Package. This paper reviews new research relevant to the catchment to GBR continuum and evaluates the appropriateness of current management responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J E Brodie
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|