Water pollution in rivers and streams is the biggest local threat to our Reef, and the solutions are entirely in our hands.
Water pollution in our rivers and streams enters the ocean, threatening the survival of inshore coral reefs, seagrasses, and iconic wildlife like dugongs, turtles, and inshore dolphins.
Our governments had over 20 years to cut water pollution to levels that protect these ecosystems. But at the current pace of progress, we won’t be able to reduce pollution to safe levels within the next two decades or even until the next century (1).
Wetlands have unique superpowers to tackle the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef.
Wetlands are very effective at reducing water pollution. These natural water filters reduce pollution that runs off the land into waterways and the Reef. They also protect our coastlines from extreme weather events, such as cyclones and floods, boost biodiversity and act as a buffer against climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and storing it for thousands of years.
Over 50% of natural wetlands have been lost in the Great Barrier Reef region, and 50,000ha of vegetation, an area the size of the Whitsunday Islands, was lost between 2018-2021 along rivers and streams leading to the Reef .1
But to date, our governments have invested too little in restoring wetlands that can protect our Reef and our communities.
Add your name to email the federal Minister for the Environment, urging her to fund and deliver more wetland restoration now to cut water pollution and boost the health of our Reef.
- AMCS media release: Report card shows Great Barrier Reef still has major water pollution problem