Our researchers train and support tourism operators and communities in collecting data to better understand water clarity, nutrients, and temperature at key tourism sites. Whitsundays Location Poor water quality is a known pressure on the Great Barrier Reef, but water quality monitoring is lacking for the outer islands of the Whitsundays. This project provides training on collecting water quality data to be incorporated into ecotourism experiences for the community. The water quality data from this project will form a valuable baseline for understanding future trends and comparing across the wider region. Key points Whitsunday water quality monitoring: citizen science and ecotourism BACK A water quality knowledge gap in the Whitsundays Over the last decade, areas of the Whitsundays Islands have been exposed to cyclones and coral bleaching events, lowering coral reef health and resilience. Good water quality is essential to build the resilience of these ecosystems and allow them to recover. Since monitoring began in 2007, the inner islands of the Whitsundays region have shown declining water quality (moderate to very poor), influenced by runoff from the Proserpine, Pioneer, and O’Connell Rivers. Water quality conditions had not previously been monitored at the outer islands, which are affected by the larger Fitzroy River to the south. Our researchers and tourism operators are addressing this knowledge gap with a citizen science project. Combining ecotourism and citizen science to monitor water quality This project addresses this gap in water quality monitoring, with our researchers establishing monitoring at key tourism sites at Cairn Beach and Tongue Bay in the outer islands of the Whitsundays. Partnering with Reef Catchments and local tourism operators in citizen science, our scientists provide training on water quality data collection, which then forms the basis for ecotourism experiences. This engages the community in citizen science while gathering crucial baseline data on water quality in the outer Whitsunday Islands. Our scientists and citizen science collaborators collect data on water clarity, nutrients, and temperature, using grab samples and underwater sensors connected to dataloggers. Long-term data collection of at least five to ten years is required to create a reliable baseline dataset, which will be invaluable for understanding future trends and comparing water quality across the wider region. Advancing water quality and community-led projects The results of this project will provide insights into water quality issues in the Whitsundays to inform management decisions and will serve as a blueprint for future community-led projects. The project continues to build momentum into its fourth year, with early results indicating some mild improvement in water quality across the region since 2019. There are plans to increase sponsorship to support and expand the program in the future. Project details This project is led by TropWATER’s Dr Paula Cartwright and Associate Professor Nathan Waltham, with field support from TropWATER technical staff. Important foundational work for this project was completed by retired TropWATER scientist Jordan Iles. This project is supported by the Partnership between the Australian Government's Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, BMA BHP, and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation. Research support Paula Cartwright Senior Research Officer paula.cartwright@jcu.edu.au Research leads

TropWATER’s Dr Cecilia Villacorta-Rath has been awarded a Queensland Smithsonian Fellowship to train in environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to assess habitat health on the Great Barrier Reef. TropWATER Dr Cecilia Villacorta-Rath awarded QLD Smithsonian Fellowship 3 December 2024 TropWATER BACK Dr Villacorta-Rath will spend 10 weeks at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Symbiosis & Resilience Lab in Panama, gaining hands-on training in molecular analysis and data interpretation with the lab team. The Symbiosis & Resilience Lab are leaders in DNA metabarcoding and marine microbiome research, making them the ideal host for her Fellowship. Metabarcoding involves extracting and sequencing DNA to identify a range of species within a single sample. Dr Villacorta-Rath will gain skills with this technique, focused on microbiomes by identifying microbial eDNA associated with coral reefs and other marine organisms. By assessing the composition and diversity of a microbial community, she will be able to investigate environmental health including responses to pollutants and other types of stress. Rather than focusing on a specific project, Dr Villacorta-Rath says the Fellowship will provide a chance to build key skills in advanced eDNA techniques applied to marine environments – skills that will then boost the capabilities of the TropWATER eDNA laboratory. “This will create a new avenue of research for our lab,” Dr Villacorta-Rath said, “allowing us to expand our projects to include both freshwater and marine applications of eDNA techniques.” Dr Villacorta-Rath is the first female researcher from TropWATER to be awarded the Fellowship, and the first to undertake the Fellowship at a laboratory in the tropics – and forging connections across the tropics is a key aspect of Dr Villacorta-Rath’s work. “This Fellowship will establish valuable new links between TropWATER and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute that will open up opportunities for collaborative projects in the future,” Dr Villacorta-Rath said. Next Previous

Research led by James Cook University TropWATER has shown the devastating impacts of severe cyclones on corals and coral reef fishes, highlighting changes in coral reef structure that influence long-term recovery and resilience. TropWATER Lasting impacts on coral and reef fish six years after Cyclone Debbie TropWATER BACK The study, published last week in PLOS One by a team of JCU TropWATER, AIMS and GBRMPA scientists, describes declines in corals, damselfishes, and butterflyfishes after Whitsunday Islands reefs were hit by severe Category 4 Cyclone Debbie in 2017. Researchers found a decrease in both the diversity of fish (species richness) and number of fish (density) immediately following the cyclone. Over a period of 12 years (2012-2023), with support from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation in 2022 and 2023, researchers surveyed coral and fish communities on fringing coral reefs at 43 separate sites around the Whitsunday Islands as part of our long-term monitoring program . “Most sites were severely impacted … only seven of the 43 sites we surveyed experienced minimal impact,” said lead author Dr Maya Srinivasan. “Even six years after Cyclone Debbie, we still found that coral cover remained up to 69 per cent less than it was before. “Both damselfish and butterflyfish species richness and density were significantly lower than they were pre-cyclone”. Climate change represents a key threat to the Great Barrier Reef, contributing to coral bleaching as well as increased intensity of cyclones, like Cyclone Debbie. “When it’s a category one or two cyclone, it'll take out the shallower and branching corals, and usually the more robust corals will be okay,” Dr Srinivasan said. “But Debbie was so severe, so slow moving, it just sat on the reef for hours … large boulder corals were just snapped off, left upside down. “When it's that destructive, it takes a long time for reef communities to come back.” The team surveyed 13 different species of damselfish and butterflyfish to understand how the cyclone impacted fish communities on affected reefs. “When coral reefs are hit by extreme events like cyclones, fish simply perish from the physical impact. Then survivors dwindle because the loss of coral means losing essential food and shelter,” she said. “Most fish species we looked at suffered declines of up to 85 per cent. Only one species, the Copperband Butterflyfish, didn’t decline in abundance. “We found three damselfish species that usually don’t rely on live coral also declined … but then recovered after the cyclone … even for these species there was a direct physical impact of the cyclone”. Dr Srinivasan noted that cyclones are not new to the Great Barrier Reef and that recovery after such events was still possible. “We did see some recovery, and the reefs could come back to their original condition … they just need more time,” she said. “Studies like this help us to understand how the reef will respond to future events and will assist in our efforts to improve reef resilience.” Next Previous

We are developing a new method to measure dugong health using drone imagery to assess body condition. Cleveland Bay, Moreton Bay Location Understanding the health of dugong populations, and how conditions vary throughout the year, is crucial to effective dugong management and conservation. We are developing a new method using drone-based imagery to measure dugong body condition, allowing for non-invasive, cost-effective assessments of nutritional health. This project will provide valuable baseline data about the nutritional health of dugongs in Cleveland Bay (Townsville region) and other regions where the approach can be applied, including natural seasonal variations in body condition. Key points Investigating dugong health BACK Understanding dugong population health Through our regular large-scale aerial surveys, our researchers have a strong understanding of dugong populations across northern Australia – but we don’t understand how healthy these populations are. Seagrass diebacks, often caused by cyclones and floods, have previously led to dugong starvation and failed calf reproduction. Poor nutrition can delay dugong sexual maturity and reduce their number of calves, significantly slowing population recovery in impacted regions. While we know that dugong energy use and food intake change with the seasons and reproductive cycles, we do not fully understand how this affects their health. Consistent monitoring is key to linking nutrition, reproduction, and environmental changes and to identifying dugong populations that may be struggling. Assessing dugong health using drones Our researchers are pioneering a technique using drone imagery to assess the body condition of dugongs. This approach is non-invasive and affordable, building on the existing use of drones for dugong population counts. As part of doctoral research by Sarah Landeo, the team aims to: Develop and validate different body condition indicators for dugongs based on morphometric measurements from drone-based photogrammetry. Describe the population structure – based on body size – and seasonal variation in body condition of the dugong population of Cleveland Bay over one year. Compare the structure – based on body size – and body condition of dugongs between tropical and subtropical high-density areas with different environmental conditions, from late autumn through to early spring. Investigate regional differences in the body condition of female dugongs and calves in several locations through the species’ geographic range. These findings will provide crucial context for any changes in overall health of this dugong population in the future to inform management and conservation. Identifying declines in dugong body condition may also reveal habitat losses that are not detected through seagrass monitoring. Once the method is refined, our team hopes to work with Traditional Owners across eastern Queensland to establish community-led monitoring programs using this method to measure dugong health. Project details This project is led by Dr Christophe Cleguer and PhD student Sarah Landeo-Yauri, with Frederik Christiansen, Aarhus University. The project is funded by the National Environmental Science Program and the Ecological Society of Australia – Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment Grant. Research support Sarah Landeo Yauri PhD student Christophe Cleguer Principal Research Officer – Marine Megafauna Group Leader christophe.cleguer@jcu.edu.au Research leads

For six wet seasons at nine properties across the Bowen-Bogie-Broken catchments, graziers have collected 300 water samples from their local waterways – helping to track how sediments flow from the land into the Great Barrier Reef. TropWATER Graziers and scientists connect to track sediments from the land to the Reef 3 December 2024 TropWATER BACK Through the Landholders Driving Change program, JCU TropWATER scientists train landholders to collect water samples from their local waterway while communicating the challenges with sediment loss in the region. Since 2018, the water quality data collected by landholders has significantly contributed to filling critical gaps in water quality science, helping to identify sediment hotspots to prioritise remediation efforts across the catchment. This program is strengthening trust between landholders and water quality scientists and is a partnership between NQ Dry Tropics and JCU TropWATER. Local-scale monitoring targets hotspots and improves understanding of sediment sources The Landholders Driving Change program connects scientists with graziers to collect water samples during the wet season high flow flood events, to better identify sediment 'hot spots' in the Bowen-Bogie-Broken catchments. Dr Zoe Bainbridge said spatial catchment modelling tools provide an overview of sediment and nutrient concentrations across the Great Barrier Reef catchments. But the addition of local data provides multiple-lines-of evidence to improve our confidence in tracking the sources, movement, storage, and transport of sediment within a catchment, and to refine catchment models. “This is where community monitoring fits in. The data collected by landholders helps pinpoint these areas, improving how sediment movements are tracked,” she said. “Training graziers to collect water samples over river flow events at otherwise inaccessible locations has proven invaluable. Through this, we have refined catchment sediment budgets with higher confidence – leading to better more targeted management decisions.” This local water quality monitoring data was part of a scientific journal article, showcasing the robust study design and the dedication of the sampling network. The research highlights the value of the samples, with extensive analysis including suspended sediment concentration, grain size, and geochemical tracing of the sediment sources. “Identifying these areas that produce the highest sediment flux is challenging – we would not have been able to trace the sediment sources without the data collected from landholders,” she said. Understanding sediment loss across grazing lands and impacts on marine environment Over the past 200 years, the landscape in the Great Barrier Reef catchment has changed significantly with the introduction of livestock, extensive land clearing, mining, and infrastructure development. These changes have increased soil erosion within the catchment, leading to large amounts of sediment being exported from rivers into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Dr Stephen Lewis said much of this sediment is fine-grained and organic-rich and is the most detrimental form to the Great Barrier Reef. “This sediment can remain suspended in the water column for extended periods and can travel long distances across inshore and mid-shelf areas of the reef,” he said. “It can be easily resuspended by waves and currents, causing persistent turbidity. This reduces water clarity and limits light availability, which is critical for photosynthesis in seagrass meadows and inshore coral reefs. “Over time, this can significantly impact the growth and health of these inshore marine ecosystems. Maintaining good water quality is essential to provide these ecosystems with the best chance for resilience and recovery.” Dr Stephen Lewis said catchment monitoring and modelling have shown the Burdekin River average annual sediment load is about five time greater since the arrival of Europeans. “The Bowen catchment has been identified as one of the major contributors of fine sediment draining into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon – producing the largest area-specific fine sediment contribution of all Reef catchments,” he said. “Prioritising remediation within sub-catchments for maximum impact is essential, especially across large areas like this.” Significant investment from the Federal and State governments has targeted the Bowen-Bogie-Broken catchments to reduce sediment erosion from gullies, riverbanks and the broader landscape. This overall whole-of-system approach is to encourage and incentivise landholders to adopt improved land management practices that retains soil on the land, as well as identifying targeted areas for large-scale gully and streambank remediation projects to tackle hot-spot erosion sources. The data also feeds into catchment modelling for the Queensland Government's Paddock to Reef program. This program provides vital data across the Great Barrier Reef catchment, tracking sediment and nutrients across the landscape. This project is part of the Landholders Driving Change program managed by NQ Dry Tropics and funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Next Previous

Five years after widespread flooding in northwest Queensland, we assessed land and soil condition across grazing lands to better understand recovery and resilience. Northwest Queensland Location Widespread flooding in northwest Queensland in 2019 caused extensive damage to grazing lands, with devastating impacts on the grazing industry and local communities. Five years following the floods, we assessed land and soil condition at 62 sites across Mitchell Grass Downs grazing lands to better understand factors influencing recovery and resilience. Results suggest that land in good condition before flooding recovers more quickly and is more resilient to the impacts of extreme climate events (both flood and drought). Key points Post-2019 flood recovery of Mitchell Grass Downs grazing lands BACK The 2019 flood: scale and impact on grazing The Mitchell Grass Downs is an expansive grassland region known for its drought-hardy grasses, minimal tree cover, rich biodiversity, and optimal pastoral conditions. But this landscape is threatened by overgrazing, weeds, and extreme climate events. In 2019, unprecedented rains triggered broadscale flooding of up to 13 million hectares of the Flinders River catchment, in northwest Queensland. The floods, compounded by a severe wind chill event, devastated the grazing industry and local communities – resulting in the death of over 500,000 head of livestock, and causing extensive damage to fences and roads. At the time of the flood, the region was in the midst of a six-year drought. The parched soils and pastures were vulnerable. When floodwaters arrived, they stripped away topsoil, soil seedbank and organic matter in some areas, severely degrading soil and pasture condition. In other areas, substantial amounts of silt smothered pastures and prolonged floodwater inundation contributed to the death of pasture plants. To help inform how grazing land management can build resilience to extreme climate events, researchers have assessed how grazing lands in this region, including the Mitchell Grass Downs, have recovered or failed to recover after this major flood event. Assessing grazing land recovery Five years after the floods, JCU TropWATER partnered with the Southern Gulf Natural Resource Management Group to examine why some sites bounced back while others struggled. Initial field surveys by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (now Department of Primary Industries) in 2019 and 2020 assessed post-flood soil and pasture condition. In 2024, our team revisited 62 of those sites to assess five-year recovery across the Mitchell Grass Downs. Results: pasture condition shaped recovery Our researchers found significant improvements in land condition at many sites that were heavily impacted by the 2019 flood. Strategic land management by graziers, coupled with recent summer rainfall, likely played a major role in driving this recovery. The research found lands with grass tussock heights of about 20-30 cm at the time of the floods had the greatest rates of recovery, compared to more heavily grazed lands with tussocks reduced to 10 cm or less. The study provides a snapshot of recovery trends, showing: Poor condition sites improved, but only to moderate levels. Moderate condition sites mostly held steady or improved slightly. Good condition sites were more likely to improve to excellent condition. The program did not examine the influence of specific land management practices, and more research is needed to understand these dynamics. Future-proof grazing lands for a changing climate The frequency and intensity of extreme events, like droughts and floods, is expected to rise as climate change impacts increase. The findings of this study suggest the importance of grazing land management that supports landscape recovery and resilience to extreme climate events. While more research is needed, field observations suggest the following practices may contribute to improved outcomes: Maintaining grass tussock heights of approximately 20-30cm, particularly during dry periods, may enhance post-flood recovery. Adjusting stocking rates during drought to preserve land condition and prevent overgrazing. Aligning production planning with seasonal forecasts and climate outlooks to reduce risks. These insights provide a foundation for future research and targeted extension efforts. Upcoming projects will focus on supporting graziers to adopt and refine sustainable land management practices that build resilience, deliver environmental outcomes, and sustain productivity. Project details This project is led by Dr Jack Koci in partnership with Southern Gulf Natural Resource Management Group. This project is funded by the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. We acknowledge Trevor Hall and Jenny Milson for assisting with the 2024 survey, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries who commissioned the earlier surveys, and the landholders who enabled access on their properties. Ben Jarihani Principal Research Officer ben.jarihani@jcu.edu.au Research support Jack Koci Senior Research Officer jack.koci@jcu.edu.au Research leads

James Cook University TropWATER scientists are major contributors to the most comprehensive and rigorous review of water quality and the Great Barrier Reef – confirming that elevated levels of fine sediments, nutrients and pesticides continue to have detrimental impacts on the Great Barrier Reef, especially inshore ecosystems. TropWATER Evidence of land-based impacts on water quality in the Great Barrier Reef 3 December 2024 TropWATER BACK Scientists say hitting water quality targets in the next decade is imperative. To succeed we need to work closely with regional communities, like growers and graziers. The 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement is led by C2O Consulting and funded by the Australian and Queensland governments. It addresses 30 questions by 78 expert authors, with policy or management to make decisions based on consideration of the full synthesis of the evidence. Eighteen James Cook University (JCU) experts contributed to the report, with eight lead authors including Associate Professor Nathan Waltham, Dr Stephen Lewis, Dr Shelley Templeman, Dr Aaron Davis, Dr Len McKenzie, Dr Catherine Collier, Dr Maxine Newlands and Dr Ciemon Caballes. Scientists provided expertise on land-use, wetlands, pesticides, sediments and nutrients and ecosystem health and connectivity. Lead author of two chapters, Dr Stephen Lewis, said evidence shows extensive land use changes is documented from 1860 to 2019 with associated sediment erosion and nutrient loads increasing. Recent modelling also indicates that sediment loads have more than tripled in some regions since European settlement. “The increase of sediment and particulate nutrients is largely due to land modifications for livestock grazing, cropping, urban development, and mining, along with climate variability causing larger river discharge events,” he said. “The evidence of changes in pollutant exposure is most pronounced in the estuarine and nearshore environments just offshore from river mouths but can be seen as far out as 100 km alongshore from the source river. “Excess sediments are a major threat to the health of the Great Barrier Reef, especially those closest to the coast. The most damaging sediments cause prolonged reductions in water clarity during river floods. “Our research has contributed to identifying the hot spot areas within the Great Barrier Reef catchment that contribute the highest amount of sediments. We work with local communities and Natural Resource Management bodies to help guide catchment remediation in these catchment sediment hot spots.” Lead author of two chapters, Dr Aaron Davis, said the Great Barrier Reef’s health is closely linked to what happens on land, and effective protection of the reef requires managing both land and sea together. “The highest water quality risks from land use occur close to exposure from pesticides, nutrients, and sediment—such as freshwater areas, estuaries, and nearshore marine environments,” he said. “While the mid and outer reef are less affected by these land-use issues, the reef is a highly connected system where water, matter, and organisms move between catchments, floodplains, and the outer reef.” Dr Davis, who also led a chapter on pesticides, said it was important to remember growers need pesticides in most farming systems, to keep away pests like grubs and weeds. “While pesticides are needed to maintain a viable crop, extensive monitoring has shown that certain pesticides are often found in freshwater waterways, sometimes at levels that exceed ecosystem protection guidelines,” he said. “Our monitoring programs are seeing growers adopting innovative methods to reduce off-paddock pesticide losses through careful product selection and application techniques. “The good news is we now have recent results showing decrease in some pesticides, which is likely a testament to growers adopting improved farming practices.” Associate Professor Nathan Waltham led two chapters on wetlands. He said natural and near natural wetlands need healthy water quality conditions, but these systems are understudied in the Great Barrier Reef. “There are few studies from the Great Barrier Reef wetlands that measure or model the efficacy or cost of wetlands maintenance and protection, particularly in terms of water quality improvement,” he said. “Most research on the services that wetlands provide in terms of improving water quality have been conducted overseas, with limited studies in Australia, and only a few focused on the Great Barrier Reef catchment.” Associate Professor Waltham said TropWATER was undertaking research and working with communities, Traditional Ranger groups, industries and governments to better understand the roles different types of wetlands play, as part of a broader whole-of-ecosystem based approach. “Different types of wetlands will have different abilities to process nutrients and protect important biodiversity,” he said. “We must determine which types perform best for future protection and management opportunities for Great Barrier Reef wetlands.” Director of JCU TropWATER Professor Damien Burrows said good water quality starts on the land. By improving runoff from catchments, the Great Barrier Reef can build its resilience to better handle threats like coral bleaching, cyclones and diseases. “Providing evidence on land-use impacts is a crucial step toward driving meaningful changes for water quality improvement,” he said. “TropWATER has a unique role, we combine scientific expertise in water quality with on-ground engagement. Not only do we conduct critical research on water quality but we also work directly with farmers, Traditional Owners, industry, and government. “Our focus is on delivering science-based solutions to water quality challenges and actively apply these solutions within communities, including growers.” Next Previous

We are producing new environmental and climate proxy records to provide a greater understanding of the Reef's disturbance history and long-term ecosystem evolution. Great Barrier Reef Location Our scientists are producing long-term environmental and climate records to improve the understanding of historical marine ecosystem health in the Great Barrier Reef. These records, spanning centuries and millennia before European arrival, serve as a baseline for comparing changes over the past two centuries. This improves the understanding of human-induced impacts, allowing us to better focus and prioritise environmental management and decision-making. Key points Long-term environmental records across the Great Barrier Reef BACK Climate and environmental data gaps in interpreting proxy records Proxy records – like tree rings, coral cores, or ice cores – provide indirect evidence for understanding past environmental and climatic conditions. In the Great Barrier Reef, these records are derived from cores from coral colonies, coral reefs and sediment deposition areas, offering valuable insights into the Reef’s historical disturbances. The production of reliable and long-term environmental and climate data records is essential. These records include sea surface temperature, river discharge, sea-level change, river avulsion, pollutant loads, and storms. This long-term data provides an enhanced perspective on the pressures marine ecosystems have encountered, which can then be linked to similar long-term records of coral health, such as coral reef accretion and coral geochemistry. Decoding reef history with proxy records We are producing new environmental and climate proxy records to better understand the Reef's disturbance history and long-term ecosystem evolution. This work also documents the environmental and climate history of the north Queensland region. This research spans multiple projects and involves the compilation, synthesis and curation of existing records with some new investigations. Sea-level change records: Analysed sea-level proxies (e.g., oysters, coral microatolls) to produce a record of sea-level change for the Australian region over the past 20,000 years. This links with coral reef growth and evolution records and historical Indigenous movement across Australia. Records of land-use change and historical river discharge: Compiled annual records from 1860 to 2019 to identify major modifications in river basins to link with changes in hydrology and pollutant levels. Luminescent lines in coral cores provide proxies for reconstructing river discharge history over hundreds of years. Records of longer-term coral health: Coral accretion and morphology records from reef flat sediment cores offer insights into longer-term coral health, reef evolution, and disturbance regimes. These records help provide a different perspective of coral reef growth over thousands of years. Coral geochemistry proxy records: Coral geochemistry proxy records reveal environmental and climatic changes in the Great Barrier Reef catchment and lagoon. Rare earth elements in coral skeletons show great promise to understand changes in sediment exposure, quantifying impacts from increased riverine inputs, resuspension, or dredging. Bridging the gap to understand ecosystem evolution Our research bridges the gap between long-term proxy records and current environmental data, providing managers and policymakers with a clearer understanding of the Great Barrier Reef's history and long-term ecosystem evolution. By analysing coral and sediment cores, we can accurately link changes in marine environments to their direct causes. This comprehensive approach allows us to: Document the history of coral growth on the Great Barrier Reef Quantify changes in river discharge to the Great Barrier Reef to understand changes in the exposure of terrestrial runoff on marine ecosystems and to develop long-term flood records for Queensland. Provide an independent line of evidence to quantify how sediment loads discharged to the Great Barrier Reef have changed over time to validate modelling outputs. Provide critical long-term data for better decision-making and effective management strategies. These insights are essential for protecting the reef and ensuring its resilience against future disturbances. It informs policies that promote sustainable practices and conservation efforts and helps us understand the broader climate variability of our region. Research support Stephen Lewis Principal Research Officer stephen.lewis@jcu.edu.au Research leads

We are working with Marranbala and li-Anthawirriyarra Rangers and other partners to map the location and condition of seafloor habitats - and record the many species these ecosystems support - in Marra Sea Country. Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory Location Seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and other marine habitats of Marra Sea Country in the Gulf of Carpentaria are home to rich biodiversity, but little is known about where these habitats are found. We are working with Marranbala and li-Anthawirriyarra Rangers to map the location and condition of seafloor habitats in Marra Sea Country to guide future management actions. This project is revealing the wide range of sharks, fish, and habitats found in Marra Sea Country and helping to build a Ranger-led monitoring program. Key points Mapping benthic habitats and fish communities in Marra Sea Country BACK Understanding habitats of Marra Sea Country Marra Sea Country in the western Gulf of Carpentaria is home to rich biodiversity, supported by a range of seafloor (benthic) habitats including seagrass, corals, mangroves, macroalgae, and saltmarsh. Dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and diverse fish communities rely on these habitats. Improving knowledge of the habitats that support key species is a management priority for Marra Traditional Owners to better protect the biodiversity in these waters, which include the Limmen Marine Park (Commonwealth) and Limmen Bight Marine Park (NT). We have partnered with Marranbala and li-Anthawirriyarra Rangers to map seafloor habitats using helicopters and boats and to provide training for Rangers to lead ongoing monitoring programs. First maps and future monitoring Together with Marranbala and li-Anthawirriyarra Rangers and other project partners, our team is using the following methods to survey the marine habitats of Marra Sea Country: Helicopter surveys to visually assess intertidal areas. Boat surveys for subtidal areas, including drop and towed video cameras, and van Veen grabs and benthic sleds to collect small samples from the seafloor. Baited Remote Underwater Video stations to assess fish populations in different habitats. During these surveys, we are providing hands-on technical training to help establish an ongoing Ranger-led monitoring program on Marra Sea Country. We will use data from this project to provide recommendations for biodiversity conservation to all groups responsible for managing this region, including Marra people, Parks Australia, and the Northern Territory Government. From sponges and seagrass to dolphins and dugongs We have identified a range of different species types in Marra Sea Country including: Dolphins, dugongs, sea snakes, and turtles. Eighty species of invertebrates. Over 100 species of fish, including sharks, rays, and commercially and recreationally important fish. Seven species of seagrass, with most seagrass along the coastal strip of the Limmen Bight Marine Park forming a meadow over 65 km long. Soft corals, hard corals, and sponges. Ascidians (sea squirts), crinoids (feather stars), and hydroids. Ongoing monitoring will focus on how these habitats change seasonally and from year to year, the environmental pressures that might be affecting these habitats, and potential impacts on the many species that depend on them. Project details This project is led by Dr Catherine Collier, Dr Alex Carter, and Dr Tim Smith in partnership with Namultja Aboriginal Corporation, Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Indigenous Corporation, Marranbala and li-Anthawirriyarra Rangers, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission, and the Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory. This work is funded by the Northern Territory Government, Parks Australia, and the National Environmental Science Program Marine and Coastal Hub. Sofi Forsman Master's student Research support Alex Carter Principal Research Officer alexandra.carter@jcu.edu.au Catherine Collier Principal Research Officer catherine.collier@jcu.edu.au Tim Smith Senior Research Officer tim.smith2@jcu.edu.au Research leads

We closely monitor coral reefs around Great Barrier Reef islands to understand their condition. We assess the impacts of disturbances such as cyclones, floods, and coral bleaching, and help track the patterns of recovery following these events. Mackay, Cairns, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Keppels Location Coral reefs around the inshore islands of the Great Barrier Reef are highly valued by tourists, locals, and recreational fishers, but their proximity to land makes them particularly vulnerable to human-impacts. Our team monitors coral reefs at 43 high-use and high-value islands in the Great Barrier Reef. We provide essential data on long-term trends in fish populations, coral reef health and reef recovery from disturbances for targeted management and conservation strategies. Key points Long-term monitoring of coral reefs at inshore islands in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park BACK Cycles of decline and recovery of inshore island coral reefs Coral reefs and fish communities around the inshore islands of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are vital for tourism and recreational fishing. However, their proximity to land makes them more vulnerable to human impacts, particularly land-based runoff. Long term monitoring shows inshore island coral reefs have seen declines in coral cover, fish abundance, and diversity, due to coral bleaching, cyclones, and floods. While these reefs can recover if given time between impacts, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such disturbances making it harder for these ecosystems to recover. Our long-term monitoring tracks inshore island coral reef health, measuring the effects of disturbances and observing recovery. This data is crucial for marine managers due to the high vulnerability and heavy use of island reef habitats. How the inshore monitoring program informs management Our 25-year inshore monitoring program has been instrumental in documenting declines and recovery in coral cover, fish abundance, and fish diversity following disturbance events such as coral bleaching, cyclones and floods. We aim to provide managers with critical information on the impacts of disturbance events and subsequent recovery patterns to help inform targeted intervention and management strategies. Under the monitoring program, our scientists investigate both coral reef habitats and fish communities: Coral reef habitats Conduct routine in-water surveys to assess the cover of corals, algae, rock, rubble, and sand. Track changes in the structural complexity of reefs. Gather critical data on disturbance impacts and recovery patterns. Monitor recovery rates of coral reefs to identify reasons for slower recovery. Inform targeted intervention and management strategies for reef protection. Fish communities Investigate the effects that changes in coral reef habitats have on fish communities over time. Monitor the abundance, size, and diversity of reef fish species at reefs open and closed to fishing. Assess effectiveness of no-take marine reserves (green zones) in protecting fish species. Inform targeted intervention and management strategies for the protection of reefs and important fisheries species. What islands do we monitor? Our inshore monitoring program focuses on coral reefs at 43 inshore islands in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The program spans eight key locations from the Turtle Group in the far north to the Keppel Islands in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Islands monitored for 25 years: 30 sites at three islands in the Palm Islands. 8 sites at Magnetic Island. 42 sites at ten islands in the Whitsunday Islands. 30 sites at ten islands in the Keppel Islands. New islands monitored since 2022: 15 sites at six islands in the Turtle Group National Park. 12 sites at four islands in the Frankland Islands. 2 sites at the Family Islands, off Mission Beach. 18 sites at the Cumberland Islands, off Mackay. Future directions and funding challenges Our 25-year inshore monitoring program has been instrumental in documenting declines in coral cover, fish abundance and fish diversity – providing critical data for targeted management and conservation strategies. Despite these critical achievements, this long-term monitoring program faces a lack of funding. Consistent, ongoing monitoring is essential in identifying the status and trends in the health of coral reefs over time, and without it, our understanding and ability to manage these ecosystems will be compromised. Continued support is essential to maintain and expand our efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef's valuable coral reef ecosystems. Research support Maya Srinivasan Principal Research Officer maya.srinivasan@jcu.edu.au Research leads

Aerial surveys reveal extensive data on dugong populations, movement, and habitat use in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, Moreton Bay, Hervey Bay, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and Western Australia's Shark Bay, Ningaloo, and Exmouth Gulf. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Gulf of Carpentaria, Western Australia Location Our scientists are using aerial surveys to collect important data on dugong populations, abundance, movement patterns, and habitat use. Surveys cover areas in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, Moreton Bay, Hervey Bay, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and Western Australia’s Shark Bay, Ningaloo, and Exmouth Gulf. Cameras on aircraft are paving the way for artificial intelligence to enhance population monitoring. Key points Large scale monitoring of dugong populations across northern Australia BACK Dugong population trends and declines in Australia Australia is home to the world's largest dugong population, with about 150,000 dugongs. Habitats for this marine mammal stretch across northern Australia from Moreton Bay through Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and Western Australia. Over the last two decades, declining dugong populations in some areas have raised concerns about the species' long-term health, especially in southern Queensland. Monitoring dugongs on a large scale is needed to provide insights into population trends, abundance, and distribution. This data can determine the abundance and distribution of dugongs. It provides information on areas where populations may be struggling and offers insights into potential causes of declines, helping governments and managers to address threats and prevent further declines. Monitoring dugong populations with aerial surveys and artificial intelligence Our science team, along with collaborators, conducts ongoing surveys in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, Moreton Bay, and Hervey Bay; Western Australia’s Shark Bay, Ningaloo, and Exmouth Gulf; and the Gulf of Carpentaria and Torres Strait. Historically, aerial surveys relied on trained observers to manually count dugongs from aircraft across hundreds of kilometres of coastlines. In recent surveys, scientists use cutting-edge cameras attached to planes to capture thousands of images. This technology, combined with artificial intelligence, has the potential to revolutionise our ability to track and monitor marine species with accuracy and efficiency. Most areas in the Australian dugong range are surveyed about every five years, providing a snapshot of trends in dugong numbers, including calves, and their distribution across vast areas. Key initiatives of the program include: Conduct large-scale surveys at regular intervals over the long term to assess dugong population and distribution trends across vast areas. Survey each region with consistent methods to ensure data consistency. Develop artificial intelligence to enhance monitoring and data analysis. Provide data to managers to help address threats and prevent further declines. Queensland: dugong population and trends In Queensland, surveys stretched from Cape York to Moreton Bay, covering almost 2,000 kilometres. A report from surveys conducted from Mission Beach to Moreton Bay was released in 2023, with the Cape York to Cairns report due late 2024. The 2022 Dugong Aerial Survey: Mission Beach to Moreton Bay report revealed concerning trends in dugong populations. The surveys spanned from Mission Beach to Bundaberg in the Great Barrier Reef, Hervey Bay in the Great Sandy Strait, and Moreton Bay, located north of Brisbane. Key findings include: Surveys confirm a persistent decline in dugong numbers, especially in the southern section of the reef from the Whitsundays to Bundaberg. This decline is estimated at 2.3% annually since 2005. Low number of calves observed indicates challenges in reproduction and population sustainability. Areas of stable and relatively high dugong numbers include Hinchinbrook, the Townsville area, and Shoalwater Bay. Hervey Bay stands out with a significant population decline of 5.7% per year between 2005 and 2022. This is due to severe seagrass loss caused by back-to-back flood events in 2022. A re-survey of the area is planned for October 2024. The 2023 report highlights the vulnerability of dugongs to environmental disturbances, especially disruptions to their seagrass habitats, which are their main food source. For the long-term survival of dugongs, healthy seagrass meadows are essential. The report emphasises the urgent need for enhanced engagement between Traditional Owners, scientists and managers to better inform conservation efforts. Western Australia: dugong population trends Aerial surveys were conducted in June 2023 at Shark Bay, Ningaloo and Exmouth Gulf. The report will be released in late 2024. There are known threats occurring in regions that could lead to the decline in dugongs. In the Shark Bay region, increasing heatwaves have changed seagrass habitats and may have impacted populations. In Ningaloo-Exmouth Gulf area there is potential for cumulative natural and human-driven impacts, including urbanisation and industrialisation and boating activity. Gulf of Carpentaria and Torres Strait dugong population survey The Gulf of Carpentaria was surveyed in late 2025, with the region previously surveyed in 2007. The Torres Strait, the dugong capital of the world, has not been surveyed since 2007 and funding discussions are underway to resurvey this area. Funders These projects are funded by Great Barrier Reef Foundation, National Environmental Science Program, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Collaborators include Charles Darwin University, Edith Cowan University, Aeroglobe, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and Traditional Owners. Research support Christophe Cleguer Principal Research Officer – Marine Megafauna Group Leader christophe.cleguer@jcu.edu.au Research leads

Large-scale monitoring of seagrass meadows across Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait reveals there is almost no seagrass remaining across most of the previously mapped areas. TropWATER Turtles, dugongs in danger from seagrass loss 18 May 2022 TropWATER BACK The surveys come after two significant flood events in early 2022, and scientists are concerned that the seagrass loss could trigger an increase in dugong and green sea turtle strandings. James Cook University TropWATER Centre is leading the monitoring of 2300 km2 of seagrass meadows – one of the largest and most important areas of seagrass in eastern Australia – in partnership with the Department of Environment and Science (DES). TropWATER Professor Michael Rasheed said there had been a drastic reduction in seagrass when compared with previous extensive mapping. “Our boat surveys show there is almost no seagrass visible in the 2m to 17m depth range for much of the deeper meadows, and these sites have previously recorded extensive areas of seagrass,” he said. “There were some areas of sub-tidal seagrass, but these were confined to the deepest areas in the northern part of the bay. “We also used helicopters to assess more than 1300 intertidal sites throughout the Great Sandy Straits, and while some sites had seagrass, the cover was typically less than one percent of the seafloor, offering scant resources for dugong and turtle.” Prof Rasheed said the last comprehensive mapping of the entire area was more than 20 years ago, and surveys now are critical to help understand what seagrass resource remains to support dugong and turtle feeding, as well as to assess the potential for recovery over the coming months. “However, we are in the low season for seagrass growth and about to enter the recovery period for seagrasses, so we hope to return to these waters in September/October, the normal seasonal peak for seagrasses, to look at how much of the seagrass has recovered. “The good news is that there is still some seagrass remaining, and this can provide the source for recovery in the coming months if conditions are favorable.” In 1991, the same region experienced back-to-back floods causing more than 1000 km2 of seagrass loss. Sediment in the floodwaters is known to reduce light and smother seagrass meadows, potentially depleting the main food source for dugong and turtles in the area. The following year saw the highest recorded mortality of dugongs, including a 20 percent decline in dugong calves. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Ranger Dan Clifton said rangers had seen an increase in marine strandings within the Great Sandy Marine Park over the past 12 months, with the recent floods contributing to the issue. “Since July 2021, we have recorded more than 240 stranded marine turtles and 22 stranded dugongs in this area as a result of different factors, including boat strike and poor health,” Senior Ranger Clifton said. “These numbers are significantly greater than the long-term average in the area. “We have also recently seen large, mature green turtles presenting with an ulcerative skin disease affecting the carapace and flippers. This is currently being investigated by leading authorities to determine causes so we can respond accordingly. “The issues currently faced by marine wildlife in the Great Sandy Marine Park demonstrate the importance of ongoing research and surveys so that we can identify and respond to threats and how critical it is that we protect our precious ecosystems.” Alongside the seagrass monitoring, TropWATER researcher and dugong expert Dr. Chris Cleguer is trialing the use of drones to monitor the body condition of the dugongs in the area. “Extensive seagrass loss can have a dramatic impact on dugongs and sea turtles. Dugongs may stop breeding, some will move, and some will die,” he said. “Assessing changes in the body condition of dugongs can help us monitor the health of the animals following the flooding events in the Hervey Bay region. “Drones are increasingly used as a low-cost, non-invasive approach to obtain morphometric measurements of marine mammal body size. It has been done for whales and manatees, and now we are starting to collect data to do the same for dugongs.” The large-scale monitoring also includes the collection of sediment samples from the seafloor to better characterize the fine sediment that surrounds the seagrass meadows and the source of these sediments. TropWATER researchers and rangers from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services will finish the 14-day assessment of deep-water and shallow-water habitats across Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait today, using aerial and boat surveys. Final results from the survey will be available in the coming months. Next Previous

This research uses satellite images and advanced remote sensing technology to map and monitor water quality conditions, including flood plumes, across expansive reef ecosystems. Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, Pacific Islands Location We are developing remote sensing technologies in conjunction with long-term water quality databases to examine spatial and temporal water quality trends for global marine ecosystems. By integrating satellite images, ocean colour advanced remote sensing technology and water quality measurements, we can map and monitor water quality conditions across ocean expansive areas. Our remote sensing products can be used to understand water quality conditions in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait and have been used by managers to identify areas of greatest risk to coastal and marine ecosystems. Key points Large scale water quality monitoring using remote sensing BACK Challenges in monitoring water quality across vast areas Research shows that terrestrial runoff can impact large geographical areas, influencing the water quality of marine ecosystems and putting pressure on these habitats. The Great Barrier Reef, which spans 344,400 square kilometres and includes 35 river basins, is susceptible to poor water quality, particularly in inshore areas. It can experience terrestrial runoff and flood plumes that extend over 700 kilometres, covering large areas of vital inshore and some midshelf ecosystems. Given the vast area of the Great Barrier Reef and similar oceanic reef ecosystems, the rapid variability in water quality over time and space, and the need to understand the range of conditions, traditional in-field monitoring methods often fall short in capturing comprehensive data. These challenges make it difficult for managers to fully understand water quality conditions and trends necessary for informing targeted management actions. Using advanced remote sensing for water quality monitoring Our research focuses on utilising satellite images and advanced remote sensing technology to map and monitor water quality conditions from ocean colour products across expansive reef ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, Pacific Islands and Gulf of Carpentaria. By interpreting and classifying ocean colour products, we generate extensive data on water quality conditions, providing crucial insights for effective environmental management. This approach bridges knowledge gaps, supports the development of unique methods, and offers comprehensive information essential for managing large and dynamic environments. To achieve this, we are: Analysing ocean colour using medium-resolution satellite data to provide valuable insights into water quality, particularly water clarity and primary productivity levels. Integrating satellite data with on-site water quality monitoring data to classify water colour into 'optical water types' using sophisticated algorithms. Each optical type corresponds to specific combinations and levels of suspended sediments, chlorophyll-a, coloured dissolved organic matter, and other factors. Offering reliable water quality assessments over vast areas, providing cost-effective insights into coastal and marine water quality status and trends. How remote sensing helps reef conservation Remote sensing products are integrated with ecological health data, including information about seagrass and coral reef condition. This approach helps identify areas where ecosystems may be vulnerable to land-based runoff, giving critical insights for conservation and management efforts. This research contributes to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Marine Monitoring Program, partnering with Australian Institute of Marine Science and Cape York Water Monitoring Partnership. Under this program we report trends and conditions in the Great Barrier Reef every year through the Marine Monitoring Program Annual Reports. The data informs the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program , Reef Plan 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan , Reef 2050 Long-term Sustainability Plan , the five-yearly Outlook Report , and the regional water quality report cards . Research support Caroline Petus Senior Research Officer caroline.petus@jcu.edu.au Jane Waterhouse Senior Research Officer jane.waterhouse@jcu.edu.au Paula Cartwright Senior Research Officer paula.cartwright@jcu.edu.au Research leads

We're facilitating transparent knowledge exchange and enhancing rapport and relationships between science and Traditional Owner groups across the Great Barrier Reef. Great Barrier Reef Location Traditional Owners have a deep connection to the Great Barrier Reef, with dugongs holding strong cultural significance for many people. This program provides a platform for a two-way knowledge exchange including providing a safe space to listen to Traditional Owners sharing knowledge about dugongs, and for scientists to share their findings on dugong health and populations. The goal is to build healthy foundations for future respectful collaborations to fill key dugong knowledge gaps. Key points Dugong Connections BACK Dugongs hold strong cultural significance Dugongs hold deep cultural significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living along the Great Barrier Reef. Their long-held knowledge of dugong habitats and behaviours is vital for effective management. Since the 2000s, dugong monitoring projects in the Great Barrier Reef have primarily relied on aerial surveys and imagery to track population numbers and distribution. While this provided robust science, it offered limited opportunities for engagement with Traditional Owners and for communities to share their knowledge about dugongs. Building strong collaborations with Traditional Owners is key to reshaping the way we approach dugong research, monitoring, and management. Their insights, involvement, and leadership are essential for a more holistic and effective management strategy that respects both cultural and ecological sustainability. Strengthening connections between scientists and Traditional Owners This project brings together Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef and dugong experts from TropWATER to share knowledge on dugong ecology, population health, threats, cultural significance, and sustainable management. Activities focus on building respectful, long-term partnerships that combine Indigenous and Western Knowledge systems to support dugong conservation across the Great Barrier Reef. Step 1: Regional connections Between May and July 2025, workshops in Gimuy (Cairns), Gurrambilbarra (Townsville), and Yipun (Yeppoon) brought together 24 Traditional Owner groups with TropWATER scientists. Co-developed with attendees and an independent facilitator, each workshop created a safe and respectful space to share knowledge and identify priorities for dugong research and management. These workshops set the foundation for ongoing collaboration. Step 2: One-on-one connections Following the workshops, TropWATER scientists are holding follow-up discussions with each Traditional Owner group. These conversations, online, in Gurrumbilbarra (Townsville), or on Country, are shaped by each group’s priorities and protocols. The aim is to co-develop engagement activities that are flexible, tailored, and responsive to community needs. Step 3: Delivery on Country Based on these priorities, TropWATER scientists are collaborating with Traditional Owners to deliver engagement activities on Country. Each activity’s format and delivery are guided by the needs and input of each group. To date, these activities have included: Updates on dugong science (regional or Country-specific), with the possibility of including turtle and seagrass knowledge. Education and outreach programs for school students and communities. Dialogues to co-design future research and capacity-building on dugong ecology, health, and behaviour, drawing on both Indigenous and Western Knowledge systems. Some groups are building on established long-term partnerships with TropWATER, while for others this is the first step towards future collaboration. Project details This project is led by Dr Christophe Cleguer, with support from Dr Melanie Hamel, Dr Emily Webster, and Luisa Schramm. The Dugong Connections Project is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. 'Dugong Connection' artwork by Robert Paul. Emily Webster Research Officer emily.webster1@jcu.edu.au Luisa Schramm Research Worker luisa.schramm@jcu.edu.au Mélanie Hamel Research Officer melanie.hamel@jcu.edu.au Research support Christophe Cleguer Principal Research Officer – Marine Megafauna Group Leader christophe.cleguer@jcu.edu.au Research leads

By consolidating historical water quality data, we aim to uncover the spatial and temporal scope of existing monitoring efforts, enabling analysis of water quality trends across broader scales. Great Barrier Reef Location Compile a rigorous historical water quality database for the Great Barrier Reef catchments, pulling together data collected by twenty different organisations over the last 40 years. Provide a valuable bank of water quality data accessible to water quality practitioners, researchers, modelers and management agencies. Ensure the long-term legacy of the water quality monitoring undertaken across the Great Barrier Reef catchments spanning decades. Key points Historical water quality database for the Great Barrier Reef BACK Lost, buried and unused water quality data The Great Barrier Reef catchment has experienced significant land use changes, including mining, agriculture, and urban development, leading to impacts on water quality conditions. Over the past four decades, organisations throughout the Great Barrier Reef catchments have meticulously documented these changes through various water quality monitoring programs, amassing more than 25,000 records including nutrient status, sediment, metals, and pesticide concentrations. However, much of this invaluable data has been lost, scattered, or left unused. It lacks centralisation, with pieces dispersed across fragmented and unmaintained online databases, buried in appendices of hard copy grey-literature reports, or stored on individual computer hard drives. While some of the water quality data reside in well-utilised databases, the absence of a unified platform hampers its accessibility. Collating more than 25000 records of water quality data This project involves collecting historical data and collating it in a way that is accessible to water quality practitioners, management agencies, governments, academics, stakeholders and landholders. Our goal is to have the data available in an online open-access portal, administered by the Queensland Government. Throughout the project, we have: Gathered and organised historical water quality data on nutrients, sediments, metals, and pesticides from Great Barrier Reef catchments. Identified potential datasets by reviewing available literature. Standardised the collected data to ensure consistency and reliability. Developed metadata statements for each dataset, detailing project information, funding sources, key references, and technical specifications. Maximising the use of historical water quality data By consolidating this data, we aim to uncover the spatial and temporal scope of existing monitoring efforts, enabling analysis of water quality trends across broader scales. This will inform future monitoring activities and maximise the use of this invaluable data to enhance water quality science and management of the Great Barrier Reef catchments. The compiled data will be stored on an online open-access portal developed by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation’s Water Quality and Investigations team. This portal aims to provide open access to the Great Barrier Reef Catchment Loads Monitoring Program data, ensuring accessibility and transparency. This is a collaborative project with Andrew Moss (QLD Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation) and the QDETSI Water Quality & Investigations team (Dr Reinier Mann). Funding: Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Research support Cassandra James Senior Research Scientist cassandra.james@jcu.edu.au Zoe Bainbridge Senior Research Fellow Zoe.brainbridge@jcu.edu.au Stephen Lewis Principal Research Officer stephen.lewis@jcu.edu.au Research leads

A study has found concerning new evidence of long-term declines in coral reef fish around highly visited inshore islands of the Great Barrier Reef. TropWATER Coral reef fish running out of time to recover at Great Barrier Reef Islands 3 December 2024 TropWATER BACK The research is part of a reef monitoring program now led by JCU TropWATER, around popular inshore islands, which are important for recreational fishing, tourism and local communities. Scientists surveyed reefs at 100 sites around the Palm Islands, Magnetic Island, Whitsunday Islands, and Keppel Islands over a 14 year period, revealing fish communities are struggling to cope with increasingly frequent disturbances including coral bleaching, floods and cyclones. Lead author, Dr Daniela Ceccarelli, previously of James Cook University and now an Australian Institute of Marine Science marine ecologist, said these fringing reefs around inshore islands suffer from intense human pressure due to their proximity to the coast. “Reefs further from the coast have generally shown fish to be quite stable in the face of environmental disturbances, but it’s a different story for the inshore fish communities,” she said. “These inshore fish habitats have endured greater cumulative and intense local-scale pressures, with too little time to recover between stress events. “It’s possible that we are witnessing a step change in coral and reef fish community dynamics in the face of increasingly frequent disturbances.” The study found fish populations across these islands dropped by 33%-72%, and the numbers of fish species fell by 41%-75%, depending on the location. Dr Maya Srinivasan, a coral reef ecologist at JCU and co-author of the study, said these were substantial and concerning declines in fish abundance and diversity at these sites. “In the Keppel Islands we observed a dramatic drop after major flood events in 2011 and 2013, with fish abundance falling to nearly one-tenth of its previous levels – and although many sites recovered, the worst hit sites didn’t and are now covered in algae with very little coral,” she said. In the Whitsunday Islands, Cyclone Debbie in 2017 caused a steep drop in fish abundance. “Cyclone Debbie’s intense impact on coral cover and physical damage to reef structures reduced available habitat, especially for coral-dependent species. This loss has made it challenging for fish populations to maintain stability in these areas.” Dr Srinivasan said marine park zones where fishing is banned improved the picture to some degree, providing a buffer for the species that are usually targeted by fishers. “However, we found that No-Take Marine Reserves are unlikely to mitigate the impacts of an increasingly chaotic climate for all fish species in the long term,” she said. Most types of fish in the study showed a decline in population density, except for species like herbivorous damselfish and parrotfish. “These species increased in numbers because they feed on algae, which is more abundant on degraded reefs. We get winners and losers in this age of human impact, but there tends to be more species at the losing end of the scale,” Dr Srinivasan said. Dr Ceccarelli said ecological communities are naturally subject to cycles of disturbances such as cyclones, heatwaves and floods, followed by periods of recovery. “These disturbances play a major role in maintaining complex seascapes and promoting species diversity. But in the present-day period, known as the Anthropocene, the nature of these disturbances is changing because of human activities such as habitat destruction and increasingly chaotic fluctuations in the weather caused by climate change,” said Dr Ceccarelli. “This adds to the mounting evidence that without global action on reducing emissions, protected areas and fisheries management alone are not sufficient to safeguard coral reef fish.” The long-term monitoring project is currently led by JCU’s TropWATER and now spans eight key locations from the far north to the southern Great Barrier Reef with 21 new islands added to the program in the last two years. The 25-year program has been supported over the past two years through a collaboration with AIMS under the Integrated Monitoring and Reporting program, funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Link to paper here . Photo right: Degraded reefs at Keppel Islands (Maya Srinivasan, JCU TropWATER). Next Previous

Scientists at James Cook University TropWATER are expanding their long-standing water quality monitoring and community engagement through a major new initiative – the Catchment Water Quality Alliance. TropWATER TropWATER joins new alliance to strengthen water quality science across Queensland 25 May 2025 TropWATER BACK The new Catchment Water Quality Alliance brings together researchers from JCU TropWATER, the University of Queensland’s Reef Catchment Science Partnership and the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. The Alliance will improve water quality monitoring, enhance innovative data sharing platforms and engage regional stakeholders to assist communities and organisations to better care for Queensland waterways. TropWATER will support monitoring program across North Queensland while broadening the communication of results through existing local-scale water quality projects and extension networks. JCU TropWATER Director, Professor Damien Burrows, said TropWATER brings over three decades of experience working with growers, graziers and governments to monitor and improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef. “Being based in North Queensland, close to reef catchments, gives us a unique ability to respond quickly to local weather events to capture critical data that feeds directly into government datasets – building a clearer, more regionally informed picture of water quality issues,” he said. “Our strength is not just in monitoring and research, but how we work with communities. We focus on communicating the science clearly and directly to growers and regional groups, allowing the data to be understood and used where it matters most. “With Alliance staff based in Townsville, we’re well positioned to connect local insights, water quality science and decision-making. This partnership will enhance how data, communication and collaboration can drive water quality solutions." The water quality monitoring data will be used for a range of purposes including reporting on the health of the waterways, rivers and reef and guiding best practice for improving catchment management initiatives across Queensland. The collaboration will also allow for a deeper exploration of data that has been collected over the past 20 years. The efforts of the Alliance will build on work already underway such as the Great Barrier Reef Catchment Loads Monitoring Program (GBRCLMP) and the South East Queensland (SEQ) Catchments Water Quality Monitoring Program. GBRCLMP involves First Nations, industry and Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups as well as landholders to undergo comprehensive training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to track long-term trends in catchment health, while fostering a deep understanding of local waterways. Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said this collaborative initiative will play a vital role in protecting Queensland’s iconic ecosystems and ensure the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef and SEQ catchments for generations to come. “By harnessing scientific expertise from both government and academia, and using innovative approaches in Reef and SEQ catchment areas, it will help us to stay at the forefront of water quality assessment,” Professor Wilson said. “The Alliance will help to provide the science and real-world data to inform environmental decision-makers.” University of Queensland Head of the School of Environment, Professor Steve Chenoweth said UQ is excited to be joining the Alliance. “It’s a new model for how universities can work more effectively with government,” he said. “Not only is it an opportunity to focus our world-leading scientific capability on delivering what’s needed for Queensland’s outstanding catchments and reefs, the Alliance also offers unique training opportunities for Queensland’s future environmental scientists who will be better equipped to understand how they can deliver real-world impacts.” Photo: Representatives of organisations in the Catchment Water Quality Alliance. Credit: Michael Madlo. Next Previous

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