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Home  »  Reef Beat  »  Reef Beat 2004  »  The Rationale

The Rationale

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Good water quality is the reason why the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful, diverse and complex ecosystems in the world. Reefs grow best in waters that have naturally low concentrations of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and sediments. Excessive amounts of sediments, nutrients and chemical pollutants in the water can harm the Great Barrier Reef and all the living things it supports.

The Great Barrier Reef Catchment is the predominant source of pollution to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The way in which the land is used and managed affects the quality of water in our rivers, estuaries and the Reef, particularly in inshore areas close to the coast.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) recognises the need for schools to learn more about the effects of poor land management on the Great Barrier Reef. Therefore, the GBRMPA aims to offer support for schools by providing valuable and appropriate information and resources about managing and caring for the Reef. The GBRMPA's goal is to foster an understanding of, and support for, ecologically sustainable reef management in line with Government policy. The GBRMPA is concerned with conservation of biological diversity, environmental protection, economic development, community use and the recognition of the range of benefits that the reef provides.

Through education the GBRMPA promotes:

  • An understanding and appreciation of the values of the Great Barrier Reef and its biological diversity
  • An understanding of conservation and management issues in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
  • Appropriate values towards the species, habitats and ecosystems in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and
  • Skills useful for understanding the reef environment and the pressures affecting it.

The aim of this resource is to help teachers and students understand the nature of the Great Barrier Reef Catchment and its affect on local marine environments. Students and teachers will learn more about the Great Barrier Reef and the management of human impacts on the land and in the sea. The 'Reef Beat' series will encourage students and teachers to explore catchment to coast matters related to Studies of Society and Environment and Science plus other learning areas in school years 5-9.

The resource also aims to increase awareness about the importance of good water quality and catchment care and the effects of poor water quality on the Great Barrier Reef. Through these messages, all schools are encouraged to actively adopt best environmental practices, both on land and in the water.