Protecting our Reef

What you can do

You can play your part in helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef by implementing practices on the land and in your home, workplace or school that help minimise your impacts on water quality.

You can help to improve the quality of water in the Great Barrier Reef and other important marine environments by:

• Keeping drains and gutters free of chemicals and rubbish, as what goes into drains, creeks and rivers may end up in the ocean
  
• Putting all litter in the bin and recycling to keep the Great Barrier Reef clear and free of litter
  
• Washing your car on the lawn instead of in your driveway or on the street, as detergents will wash into nearby drains and may end up in local waterways or the Great Barrier Reef
  
• Composting and using garden beds or vegetation strips around your home to capture rainwater and minimise runoff
  
• Helping to ensure wetlands in your region are protected, as wetlands store and filter water run-off
  
• Sharing your knowledge about the affects of declining water quality with others
• Implementing best practices like water recycling systems on your land and in your home, workplace or school - this information is available from your industry group or local Council
  
• Joining a local community group that actively supports the protection of our coasts and oceans such as Waterwatch, Seagrass Watch, Landcare or Coastcare.