Towards protecting the Great Barrier Reef from land‐based pollution

Current efforts to reduce land-based pollution in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) World Heritage Area are insufficient to improve water quality within desired time frames. Despite policy initiatives since 2003, ecological decline persists due to ongoing discharges from adjacent catchments. The study evaluates existing strategies and proposes improvements based on international experiences and Australia's agricultural potential. Findings highlight the need for stronger management incentives and land-use changes to protect marine ecosystems globally, offering a model for coastal communities facing similar challenges.

Kroon, F. J., Thorburn, P., Schaffelke, B., & Whitten, S. (2016). Towards protecting the Great Barrier Reef from land‐based pollution. Global Change Biology, 22(6), 1985–2002. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13262