Water pollution is the biggest local threat to our Reef, yet the solutions are entirely in our hands.
Water pollution in our rivers and streams enters the ocean, threatening the survival of coral reefs, seagrasses and iconic wildlife like dugongs, turtles and dolphins that depend on these ecosystems.
The good news:
The Australian government has announced $50 million in funding to restore wetland ecosystems and reduce water pollution entering the Great Barrier Reef.¹
The newly announced funding is an important step towards boosting the resilience and health of our Reef. However, to make sure funded restoration projects are successful, they must target the hotspots that contribute the highest nitrogen pollution, and must demonstrate to the public that they can effectively reduce pollution from waterways leading to the Reef.
Our governments have had over 20 years to cut water pollution to levels that can protect Reef ecosystems. So if we continue with business as usual, we won’t reduce pollution to safe levels within the next two decades or even until the next century.²
Add your name to email the Federal Environment Minister, urging them to direct funding to effective and transparent restoration projects in pollution hotspots.
Did you know?
Wetlands have unique superpowers that can tackle the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef, but over 50% of the Great Barrier Reef’s wetland areas have been cleared.
Natural and restored wetlands are nature’s water filters, making them highly effective at reducing water pollution. They protect our coastlines from the impacts of extreme weather events, such as cyclones and floods. They help us in the fight against climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, and they boost biodiversity – 40% of all species live or breed in wetlands.
² AMCS media release: Report card shows Great Barrier Reef still has major water pollution problem