Caring for our catchments
- Monitoring water quality
- Looking after our catchments
- Implementing best practices on the land and at home and school
Monitoring water quality
Water quality monitoring is very important to help us understand the impacts of declining water quality and discover new ways to help keep the Great Barrier Reef healthy. Many students and teachers involved in the Reef Guardian Schools Program have developed water quality monitoring projects to help prevent the declining water quality in local waterways and the Great Barrier Reef. You and your school can be involved in water quality monitoring through the Reef Guardian Schools Program. Click here for more information.
You can also help monitor water quality by being involved in a community program like Waterwatch. For more information about Waterwatch visit www.waterwatch.org.au
Looking after our catchments
Better land management in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment area is essential for the survival of the habitats of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the plants and animals that live there. Catchment areas link the land to the Reef, so what we do on the land affects the water that flows into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Living in towns and cities, we often impact on the health of the Reef, as stormwater and treated sewage is often discharged into local waters, eventually reaching the Great Barrier Reef. However, there are a number of things that individuals, businesses, schools, industries and local Councils can do to help ensure we have less impact on the Reef. For example, by using water recycling systems, monitoring stormwater and keeping drains and gutters clear of chemicals and rubbish, you can help to improve the quality of water that is discharged from the land to local waterways and the Great Barrier Reef. By composting and planting native trees and vegetation strips around your home or school, you can help to capture rainwater and minimise run-off.
Riparian vegetation growing alongside rivers should be protected, as it reduces erosion, stabilises riverbanks, traps run-off, enhances the health of the waterway and provides homes and food for a diverse range of animals.
Wetlands and surrounding vegetation are vital in protecting water quality and the health of marine animals and plants by helping to filter the sediment, nutrients and other pollutants before they enter the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Mangroves provide important habitat, nesting and breeding areas for many marine creatures. The preservation and rehabilitation of wetlands and the protection of coastal mangroves are major environmental priorities for the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan.
A number of community projects have been developed to help raise awareness of the effects of wetland, mangrove and vegetation clearing. To help prevent the decline of these important environments and protect our catchments, you can become involved in one of these programs. For information about local programs in your area, contact your local Regional Natural Resource Management Board at regionalnrm.qld.gov.au/about/regional/regional_contacts or your local Council or Landcare group.
