Dugongs, like Dennis, rely on clean water and healthy seagrass meadows to survive and reproduce. Our magnificent Reef provides a critical feeding ground for them, with dugongs eating up to 30kg of seagrass a day.
However, water pollution continues to damage the Reef. Agricultural pollution, which runs from the land and into the Reef’s waterways contributes 99% of sediment and 91% of nutrient pollution, caused mainly by grazing and sugarcane.
When this sediment and nutrient pollution flows into the water, it can block out the sunlight, create algal blooms and can kill the seagrass.
Dugongs, and thousands of kilometres of precious seagrass meadows they rely on, continue to be at risk.
Locals and tourists who want to enjoy the Reef’s pristine waters for fishing and swimming are faced with murky water, sediment and chemical pollution in some areas around the Reef. The livelihoods of tourism operators are also at risk of losing out on the $6 billion annual tourism business.
While many farmers are helping to reduce water pollution with alternative and innovative farming, not all are doing their bit. It’s vital that the government meets its responsibility to stop pollution and help protect the Reef by meeting water quality targets.
Clean water helps seagrass meadows thrive, which in turn helps threatened species like dugongs thrive. It affects the health of our Reef, marine life and supports our tourism industry and local jobs.
We call on the government to have a clear plan and meet its targets.
Be a voice for Dennis. Add your name to the petition, tell the government to get serious about meeting Reef Water Quality targets.
Source:
Queensland Government, 2020, Frequently Asked Questions: Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan and 2017 Scientific Consensus Statement, URL: https://www.reefplan.qld.