One of the Great Barrier Reef's biggest threats will be tackled, as the federal government ramps up efforts to protect the world heritage site. or signup to continue reading Nutrient and pesticide run-off from nearby farms can reduce the reef's water quality, which affects seagrasses, mangroves and species reliant on the biome. It also impacts the reef's ability to recover after bleaching events, which are occurring more frequently as climate change heats up its waters.
In response, the federal government revealed it would spent another $192 million to improve water quality and bolster efforts to protect the reef Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek says the funding will help the communities and industries dependent on the Great Barrier Reef. "Sediment run-off is one of the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef," she said on Friday. "We want to make sure the beauty and majesty of the reef can be enjoyed by our kids and grandkids.
" The government's money will help fund on-farm precision irrigation, flood-plain management and nutrient efficiency programs to improve water quality flow into the reef. Other schemes will take aim at invasive animals such as feral pigs, which damage soil and wetlands, impacting the reef. Land managers, First Nations people and environment groups will be provided money to help replant native species and take on engineering projects to help trap sediment and improve soil conditions.
The world's largest living structure experienced its fifth mass b.