Project Description
The project goal is determining the role of coastal wetlands in removing dissolved inorganic nitrogen and thus, improving the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef. To test this at the landscape scale, we conducted nutrient fluxes measurements in the Moresby, a small catchment where 33% of it is cultivated (sugarcane, grazing, horticulture) and 33% is coastal wetlands. We hypothesised that this large area of wetlands will ameliorate the nitrogen leached from the cultivated land towards the reef.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
Department of Environment and Sciences
Outcomes to Date
Our results have shown that wetlands can significantly reduce nitrogen exports into the Great Barrier Reef and can substantially contribute to reach water quality targets. These results have already had impact as new wetlands are being constructed throughout the region to improve water quality.
Project Significance
The Great Barrier Reef is affected by poor water quality. While wetlands
have the potential to remove nitrogen, management plans were not incorporating wetlands as a viable solution to reach the water quality goals set to achieve by 2050. Thus, this study helps to improve health of coastal communities and marine ecosystems.