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# NESP TWQ

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://nesptropical.edu.au/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [NESP News - April 2021](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2021/04/27/nesp-news-april-2021/) - The April edition of “NESP News” is now online and can be found here.
- [Empowering Traditional Owners Key Outcome of Reef Restoration Leadership Workshop](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/12/17/empowering-traditional-owners-key-outcome-of-reef-restoration-leadership-workshop/) - A highly-successful workshop was held at Orpheus Island Research Station last month to look at ways to improve collaboration between scientists, traditional land and sea owners, tourism business operators and local communities on the Great Barrier Reef in the quest to preserve, restore and maintain coral health. Working with Indigenous Traditional Owners was a highlight
- [Crown-of-thorns eat themselves out of house & home](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/11/04/crown-of-thorns-eat-themselves-out-of-house-home/) - A world-first study on the Great Barrier Reef shows crown-of-thorns starfish have the ability to find their own way home—a behaviour previously undocumented—but only if their neighbourhood is stocked with their favourite food: corals. Australian researchers observed the starfish emerging from their shelters in the afternoons so they could feed on coral during the night
- [November 2020 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/11/05/november-2020-e-newsletter/) - The November edition of “View on TWQ” is now online and can be found here.
- [Growing demand for runoff-reducing technology in the Burdekin](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/09/30/growing-demand-for-runoff-reducing-technology-in-the-burdekin/) - The success and benefits of a NESP-produced decision support tool have captured the attention of many growers in the Burdekin region, with growing demand from industry to see further adoption as a way to meet Reef2050 Water Quality improvements targets. In addressing concern that human-induced pollutants are leaving farming systems and negatively impacting the Great
- [Understanding pest starfish and their habits](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/08/28/understanding-pest-starfish-and-their-habits/) - Recently published research into the movement behaviour of crown-of-thorns starfish is available for Great Barrier Reef managers to better predict and manage future outbreaks at a regional level. By both physically and acoustically tracking adult crown of-thorns starfish, researchers found the starfish could move up to 35 cm per minute. The starfish generally stay within
- [Media release: Flagship Cairns trial provides solution to reduce nitrate run-off onto Great Barrier Reef by 15 per cent-plus](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/09/27/media-release-flagship-cairns-trial-provides-solution-to-reduce-nitrate-run-off-onto-great-barrier-reef-by-15-per-cent-plus/) - 27 September 2020 Reef and Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC) A unique pilot project in North Queensland encouraging farmers and marine scientists to cooperate and work more closely together to protect the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef is yielding major dividends and practical solutions. The Project 25 initiative, funded by the Australian Government’s National
- [Joint media release: Sweet victory for sugarcane growers](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/09/27/joint-media-release-sweet-victory-for-sugarcane-growers/) - 27 September 2020 The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment The Hon Warren Entsch MP, Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Federal Member for Leichhardt Senator Susan Mcdonald, Senator for Queensland A unique pilot project involving more than 100 canegrowers in North Queensland has delivered a solution to reduce the amount of
- [Coral Gardeners of Manta Ray Bay](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/08/19/coral-gardeners-of-manta-ray-bay/) - After a cyclone impacted reefs in the Whitsundays, Reef Ecologic, in partnership with the local community and tourism industry began a reef restoration project. With the creation of coral nurseries, the idea was to grow corals in two high-value tourism sites to assist with natural recovery. The team of scientists have worked with local volunteers
- [Beauty is in the eye of the Reef Health](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/08/05/beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-reef-health/) - Monitoring the aesthetic, natural beauty and values of a reef has the potential to provide information on the health of the reef, particularly in areas where ecological monitoring is not possible. A recent project from the Tropical Water Quality Hub looked at what makes a reef aesthetically valuable and recently presented on how this information could
- [July 2020 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/07/30/july-2020-e-newsletter/) - The July edition of “View on TWQ” is now online and can be found here.
- [Aesthetics Long-Term Monitoring Program for the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/07/22/aesthetics-long-term-monitoring-program-for-the-great-barrier-reef/) - A new report on designing an Aesthetics Long-Term Monitoring Program for the Great Barrier Reef has been released by NESP TWQ Hub. "Monitoring of aesthetic values can potentially serve as a proxy for reef health monitoring in places where scientific ecological monitoring is not feasible or too expensive. Additional opportunities and benefits offered by ALTMP
- [Very strong motivation for local-scale reef stewardship](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/07/23/very-strong-motivation-for-local-scale-reef-stewardship/) - Traditional Owners, citizen scientists and major reef tourism operators are motivated to restore and maintain coral ecosystems at their own sites, not just for economic or cultural reasons but also out of a real desire to improve the health of their patch of the Great Barrier Reef. These are the findings of a number of recent
- [Joint Media Release: Crown of Thorns Starfish control secured](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/07/15/joint-media-release-crown-of-thorns-starfish-control-secured/) - 13 July 2020 The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment The Hon Warren Entsch MP, Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Contracts worth $28.6 million have been awarded to help win the race against coral-eating Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) on the Great Barrier Reef. The Morrison Government will deploy five, fully
- [Coral-eating starfish juveniles thrive in coral rubble](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/07/14/coral-eating-starfish-juveniles-thrive-in-coral-rubble/) - Researchers have recently closed some key knowledge gaps in understanding of the early stages of the coral-eating starfish’s lifecycle. Little was previously known of the species’ juvenile life. As part of a coordinated, collaborative research program targeted at filling important gaps in understanding, researchers have found that tiny juvenile starfish tend to be hidden amongst coral
- [Total light exposure affects coral growth rates](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/06/24/total-light-exposure-affects-coral-growth-rates/) - Research has shed new light on how interruptions to benthic photosynthetically active radiation (bPAR) – the amount of usable light reaching the seafloor – affects the health and growth of corals. Dr Barbara Robson at the Australian Institute of Marine Science leads NESP TWQ Project 5.3, which conducts experiments at the SeaSim facility on the effects of light
- [What kind of gully is that? A proposed classification framework for a major source of GBR sediment](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/11/20/what-kind-of-gully-is-that-a-proposed-classification-framework-for-a-major-source-of-gbr-sediment/) - Sediment sourced from gully erosion in Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchments represents a major threat to the health the reef. Gullies occur in all shapes and sizes, and while governments are currently investing much time, effort and funding into mapping them along the Queensland coast, this data is not broken down into different types of gullies.
- [How to help Indigenous-led Great Barrier Reef tourism grow](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/06/10/how-to-help-indigenous-led-great-barrier-reef-tourism-grow/) - The wide demand for Indigenous-led Great Barrier Reef tourism can be developed into successful businesses that benefit their communities with the right support, according to a report from the Tropical Water Quality Hub. Research looking at the status of Indigenous coral reef tourism along the Great Barrier Reef, led by Dr Henrietta Marie at Central Queensland
- [Upwellings of cooler water make the difference in mass bleaching events](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/05/27/upwellings-of-cooler-water-make-the-difference-in-mass-bleaching-events/) - Advanced 3D modelling by the Tropical Water Quality Hub has indicated that upwellings of cool water on the Great Barrier Reef can protect corals from the temperature stress that causes mass bleaching events.An interim outcomes factsheet published by NESP TWQ Project 4.2, led by Dr Craig Steinberg at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, showed
- [Ecologically informed framework for COTS management](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/05/13/ecologically-informed-framework-for-cots-management/) - A new decision-making framework developed by the NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub (TWQ) is underpinning the approach of the expanded Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program to protect the Great Barrier Reef from outbreaks of the coral-eating starfish (COTS). The recently-published technical report for TWQ Project 3.1.1 outlines the decision process that guides control operations across the scale
- [Trust and technology: Tracking down sources of nitrate in the Great Barrier Reef catchment](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/05/08/trust-and-technology-tracking-down-sources-of-nitrate-in-the-great-barrier-reef-catchment/) - The close trust frameworks built between farmers and scientists have enabled a large sugarcane farmer in Far North Queensland to track down a source of nitrogen entering the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Barry Stubbs, a second-generation sugar grower operating near Miriwinni, just south of Cairns, is a participant in ‘Project 25’, an innovative
- [Exploring the toxicity of ‘alternate’ pesticides on the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/04/29/exploring-the-toxicity-of-alternate-pesticides-on-the-great-barrier-reef/) - Over 50 different pesticides can be detected in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), yet most research is directed at only five Photosystem-II (PSII) chemicals. The purpose of Project 3.1.5 was to fill knowledge gaps to improve national water quality guideline values for these other pesticides using partnerships between researchers and the Queensland Department
- [Investigating ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ on the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/04/15/investigating-contaminants-of-emerging-concern-on-the-great-barrier-reef/) - Tropical Water Quality Hub scientists have identified critical knowledge gaps for a number of contaminants entering into the marine waters of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and Torres Strait. These contaminants originate from a wide range of sources from the land and on the water, including urban, agricultural, industrial and shipping activities. Under Project 1.10,
- [Finding out when dredging starts damaging coral](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/04/01/finding-out-when-dredging-starts-damaging-coral/) - Cutting-edge underwater monitoring technology has enabled researchers working on a NESP TWQ project to develop models to help decision-makers assess the risk posed to inshore corals by port dredging. The project team, led by Dr Ross Jones at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, collected a wide variety of water condition data in close proximity to
- [Fight on to save coastal ecosystems](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/03/30/fight-on-to-save-coastal-ecosystems/) - Key points: The UN has declared the 2020s to be the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration Coastal ecosystems have been damaged over many decades and even centuries in some cases Restoring coastal ecosystems is vital, but almost impossible at present because they face a triple whammy of industrialisation, resource loss and climate change Scientists, government and
- [Unknown risk from contaminants flying under the radar on Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/03/26/unknown-risk-from-contaminants-flying-under-the-radar-on-great-barrier-reef-and-torres-strait/) - Scientists have identified critical knowledge gaps for a number of contaminants entering into the waters of Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait. These contaminants originate from a wide range of sources from the land and on the water, including urban, industrial and shipping activities. The contaminants, known as ‘contaminants of emerging concern’, include: antifouling paint,
- [Social media offers vast data set of attitudes to support decision-making](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/03/05/social-media-offers-vast-data-set-of-attitudes-to-support-decision-making/) - Tropical Water Quality Hub researchers are employing Big Data and artificial intelligence approaches to develop and test methods of analysing thousands of social media posts with the potential to turn every visitor to the Great Barrier Reef into a citizen scientist. The project team for NESP TWQ Hub Project 5.5, including Professor Bela Stantic and
- [How best to reach land managers who aren’t changing behaviour for water quality improvement?](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/02/19/how-best-to-reach-land-managers-who-arent-changing-behaviour-for-water-quality-improvement/) - Behaviour change for best practice amongst land managers in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment is critical to improving quality of the water flowing out to the GBR. However, decades of previous effort by a range of governments and other organisations has not always reached all GBR catchment land managers, with a minority remaining resistant
- [Building trust with farmers and demonstrating water quality outcomes for on-farm decision-making](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/02/05/building-trust-with-farmers-and-demonstrating-water-quality-outcomes-for-on-farm-decision-making/) - Northern Queensland’s thriving coastal agricultural system poses major water quality problems for the Great Barrier Reef, especially when it comes to the high levels of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) found in coastal runoff, which has major impacts on the health of Great Barrier Reef (GBR) ecosystems. Despite this, efforts to reduce DIN runoff by encouraging practice change
- [January 2020 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2020/01/14/january-2020-e-newsletter/) - The January edition of “View on TWQ” is now online and can be found here.
- [How much light should reach the sea floor? Using benthic light as a water quality indicator](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/12/19/how-much-light-should-reach-the-sea-floor-using-benthic-light-as-a-water-quality-indicator/) - Benthic photosynthetically active radiation (bPAR¸ light that reaches the sea floor), is critical to the health of coastal marine environments including coral reefs and seagrasses, and may serve as an effective indicator for water quality. A new remote sensing model for benthic light has now been specifically developed for the Great Barrier Reef by researchers working
- [Restoring sea country: Tropical Water Quality Hub helps Traditional Owners attend restoration workshop at Orpheus Island](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/12/05/restoring-sea-country-tropical-water-quality-hub-helps-traditional-owners-attend-restoration-workshop-at-orpheus-island/) - A workshop at tropical Orpheus Island has provided the latest techniques and tips on coral reef restoration and leadership to Great Barrier Reef managers, tourism operators and Traditional Owners. James Cook University and Reef Ecologic hosted the four-day Reef Leadership and Restoration Workshop at Orpheus Island Research Station on November 15-18. The workshop’s 30 participants, including seven
- [Impacts of Spearfishing on the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/11/07/impacts-of-spearfishing-on-the-great-barrier-reef/) - Direct observations of spearfishers can provide a valuable source of information on reef health, which can be used to inform best-management practices. Dr. Wolfe and Professor Mumby from the University of Queensland, surveyed 141 spearfishers along the coastline of Queensland from Cooktown to Bundaberg. Their results aligned with previous findings that coral trout (Plectropomus spp.)
- [‘Turning off’ gully erosion for improved Great Barrier Reef water quality](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/10/23/turning-off-gully-erosion-for-improved-great-barrier-reef-water-quality/) - Gullies that start on the steep banks of rivers and cut into terraces or elevated floodplains (alluvial gullies) are a major factor affecting the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef. Griffith University’s Associate Professor Andrew Brooks is leading a NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub project to test the effectiveness of different techniques used for rehabilitating
- [September 2019 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/09/19/september-2019-e-newsletter/) - The September edition of “View on TWQ” is now online and can be found here.
- [Think climate change means less Irukandji jellyfish? Don’t count on it](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/10/09/think-climate-change-means-less-irukandji-jellyfish-dont-count-on-it/) - Climate change is unlikely to cause many problems for a sometimes lethal species of box jellyfish that frequents northern Australian waters, according to research supported by the Tropical Water Quality Hub. Professor Kylie Pitt and her team at Griffith University investigated the effect of water conditions expected under both optimistic and extreme climate change scenarios on the
- [](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/09/11/6820/) - The 2019 Reef Leadership and Reef Restoration Workshop at Orpheus Island Research Station from 15-18 Nov 2019 will be a great opportunity to share knowledge and increase skills. Click on the image below for further informatioin on the workshop.
- [Master Reef Guides supported by NESP research](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/07/22/mast-reef-guides-supported-by-nesp-research/) - NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub research is continuing to feed into the Master Reef Guides program. These expert communicators convey the wonder, fragility and interconnections of the Great Barrier Reef, supported by the latest NESP research. Visit Master Reef Guides to learn more.
- [What’s eating Crown of Thorns?  How Tropical Water Quality Hub is answering questions on a coral-eating predator](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/09/11/whats-eating-crown-of-thorns-how-tropical-water-quality-hub-is-answering-questions-on-a-coral-eating-predator/) - Research spanning multiple fields and institutions is filling knowledge gaps on the factors affecting outbreaks of the coral-eating Crown of Thorns Starfish (CoTS) on the Great Barrier Reef under a collaborative framework supported by the Tropical Water Quality Hub. Among other factors, the removal of natural predators of CoTS is currently being studied as a
- [Gully symposium brings erosion 'brains trust' to Southern Hemisphere for first time](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/08/28/gully-symposium-brings-erosion-brains-trust-to-southern-hemisphere-for-first-time/) - Erosion from gullies is a major source of sediment impact on the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Mitigating this erosion is therefore key to improving water quality in Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems. In late July the world’s experts on gully erosion, including two research teams from the NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub, met in Townsville for the
- [Innovative technology is saving water and helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/08/14/innovative-technology-is-saving-water-and-helping-to-protect-the-great-barrier-reef/) - By applying the right amount of water, at the right time, in the right crop, to match that crop's requirements, sugar growers can save water and deliver significant benefits to the Great Barrier Reef. NESP TWQ Hub researcher Yvette Everingham's video on innovative technology in this field has recently been shared as part of National
- [How to maintain a functioning Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/08/14/how-to-maintain-a-functioning-great-barrier-reef/) - Some species or species groups may be more important than others in helping the Great Barrier Reef function and continue to provide its ecosystem services. Identifying these species is a crucial component of maintaining the highly biodiverse Great Barrier Reef into the future. Prof. Peter Mumby from the University of Queensland leads NESP Tropical Water Quality
- [400 tonnes of coral bommies returned to the Reef after a cyclone](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/07/31/400-tonnes-of-coral-bommies-returned-to-the-reef-after-a-cyclone/) - When Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsunday Islands in 2017, it dislodged the massive Porites boulder corals that dot the popular dive site Manta Ray Bay, moving them up into the intertidal zone and reducing the bay’s reefs to rubble. Tourism Whitsunday chairman Al Grundy appealed to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for help and
- [Collaboration is sweet](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/07/17/collaboration-is-sweet/) - An interactive map recently released by Australian sugar cane industry peak body Canegrowers shows over a decade of collaboration between the industry and Great Barrier Reef research, including multiple Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub projects. TWQ Hub projects on landholder engagement, fine-scale water quality monitoring, improved irrigation, conversion to wetlands, runoff reduction and others are all
- [New paper shows nutrients play vital roles in coral bleaching](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/07/10/new-paper-shows-nutrients-play-vital-roles-in-coral-bleaching/) - Key Points Coral bleaching involves the break-up of symbiosis between corals and their algal partners and has resulted in rapid and severe reductions to coral cover and recruitment on the Great Barrier Reef This break-up is currently and almost exclusively explained by damage to photosynthesis by elevated temperatures and light exposure Recent research indicates that
- [Indigenous rangers trained in managing mangroves on their country](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/07/01/indigenous-rangers-trained-in-managing-mangroves-on-their-country/) - Healthy mangrove forests play a vital role to maintaining the quality of water flowing out to the Great Barrier Reef, and Traditional Owners have a strong interest in helping monitor and manage their land and sea country. A Traditional Owner ranger group based in Bundaberg near the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef are
- [‘Reef grief’ highlights need for renewed effort to protect and heal Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/07/03/reef-grief-highlights-need-for-renewed-effort-to-protect-and-heal-great-barrier-reef/) - Research delivered through NERP Tropical Ecosystems Hub (the predecessor to NESP TWQ) has illustrated the role played by emotive media coverage of the mass bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef in 2016 and 2017. The emotional response to mass bleaching events suggest an outpouring of sympathy for the Great Barrier Reef and a link
- [March 2017 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2017/06/08/march-2017-e-newsletter/) - Catch up with the latest Hub news in the March edition of "View on TWQ", which is online now.
- [July 2017 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2017/07/25/july-2017-e-newsletter/) - Hello from the NESP TWQ Hub! The latest Hub news is now online and can be found in the July edition of “View on TWQ”.
- [October 2017 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2017/10/12/october-2017-e-newsletter/) - Find out what's going on within the Hub in the October edition of “View on TWQ”, online to view now.
- [May 2018 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2018/05/15/july-2017-e-newsletter-2/) - Hello from the NESP TWQ Hub! The latest Hub news is now online and can be found in the May 2018 edition of “View on TWQ”.
- [January 2019 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/01/03/january-2019-e-newsletter/) - Hello and Happy New Year from the NESP TWQ Hub! The first “View on TWQ” for 2019 is now online and can be found here.
- [June 2019 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/06/13/january-2019-e-newsletter-2/) - The June edition of “View on TWQ” is now online and can be found here.
- [RRRC partners with local tour company to show reef recovery to decision-makers](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/06/17/rrrc-partners-with-local-tour-company-to-show-reef-recovery-to-decision-makers/) - Decision-makers involved in the Australian government’s National Environmental Science Program (NESP) saw the recovery of corals on the Great Barrier Reef first-hand last week courtesy of a local tourism operator. The group, which included representatives from the Australian and Queensland Governments, the agricultural industries, the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC) and senior researchers, serve
- [River Plans Revealed](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/06/07/river-plans-revealed/) - First published in The Cairns Post, Friday 7th June 2019 A BOLD new plan for water quality in the Russell River has been unveiled – and itʼs causing plenty of debate. At the Babinda RSL Hall on May 30, the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre hosted a meeting to discuss the Russell Catchment Sustainability Plan,
- [Jellyfish ‘early warning system’ to help avoid deadly stingers in FNQ](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/03/07/jellyfish-early-warning-system-to-help-avoid-deadly-stingers-in-fnq/) - Stings from venomous box jellyfish common in tropical waters are highly painful and can be fatal. The ability to predict when higher concentrations of jellyfish – known as ‘smacks’ – appear is an attractive prospect to scientists, surf lifesavers and tourism operators alike. NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub scientists have studied where and when swimmers
- [Working with Traditional Owners to monitor mangrove health](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/06/20/working-with-traditional-owners-to-monitor-mangrove-health/) - Working with Tropical Water Quality Hub researchers, Bundaberg-based indigenous ranger group Gidarjil Development Corporation has built its capacity to monitor and manage the health of mangrove ecosystems within the Port Curtis Coral Coast’s Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA) area, surveying hundreds of kilometres of coastline in the process. Project leaders Dr Norm Duke
- [Uncovering the ocean floor of the Great Barrier Reef in greater detail than ever before](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/06/06/uncovering-the-ocean-floor-of-the-great-barrier-reef-in-greater-detail-than-ever-before/) - A highly detailed 3D map of the Great Barrier Reef seafloor produced under the Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub is being widely used by the marine science community. Working with the TWQ Hub project for the development of an Integrated Pest Management strategy for Crown-of-thorns Starfish, Dr Robin Beaman at James Cook University collated all
- [Project Leaders workshop to emphasise synthesis and engagement with stakeholders](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/05/22/eatlas-all-the-data-at-your-fingertips-2/) - Now in its fourth year, the Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub is at a critical stage for the synthesis and delivery of its world-class innovative research into practical solutions for catchment-to-reef water quality issues. The leaders of many of the TWQ Hub’s research projects will meet this week in Townsville to renew their commitment to
- [eAtlas: All the data at your fingertips](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/05/15/eatlas-all-the-data-at-your-fingertips/) - The eAtlas is an online repository for information on northern Australia’s tropical and marine environments. The eAtlas, which is currently supported by the Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub, hosts over 900GB of data including satellite imagery, mapping and large databases on subjects like water quality, species distribution, temperature change and much more. The majority of
- [Wetlands: Values and opportunities](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/05/08/wetlands-values-and-opportunities/) - A journal article on wetlands in the Great Barrier Reef catchments has shown that the value of these aquatic systems extends far beyond just their role in water quality. The article, published recently in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, examines information on threats and management of Great Barrier Reef wetlands, including data from Tropical
- [The human dimension of improving Reef water quality: a baseline of landholder attitudes](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/05/01/the-human-dimension-of-improving-reef-water-quality-a-baseline-of-landholder-attitudes/) - Tropical Water Quality Hub research on the attitudes of farmers and other landholders has been used by the Queensland government to help managers of the Great Barrier Reef track progress toward meeting water quality improvement targets. A project led by Prof Lynne Eagle at James Cook University is surveying land managers and extension officers in
- [Research Impact: Tackling water quality threats to the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/03/29/research-impact-tackling-water-quality-threats-to-the-great-barrier-reef/) - Catchment runoff carrying loads of nutrients and sediments is a major threat to the health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). About 900,000 dump trucks of dirt flows out to the Reef on average each year. Eureka Prize-winning scientists from Griffith University demonstrated that ‘hot spots’ of erosion activity affecting the water quality of the
- [Investigating Burdekin flood plume on Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/04/10/investigating-burdekin-flood-plume-on-great-barrier-reef/) - After heavy rains in northern Queensland during February, the Burdekin River released a large plume of sediment-laden floodwater out to the midshelf Great Barrier Reef, an event which received major media coverage. In partnership with the Marine Monitoring Program, scientists from James Cook University’s TropWATER have carried out a wide variety of water quality testing
- [TWQ research used to set global restoration challenge](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/04/03/twq-research-used-to-set-global-restoration-challenge/) - A review of coral restoration methods by Tropical Water Quality Hub researchers has helped set the parameters for one of the world’s most high-profile challenges with millions of dollars up for grabs. The ‘Saving Coral Reefs’ Challenge by XPRISE Ocean Initiative is offering a combined $18 million prize to teams that can demonstrate successful large-scale
- [Indigenous groups and cane farmers increasingly confident in NESP research](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/03/27/indigenous-groups-and-cane-farmers-increasingly-confident-in-nesp-research/) - The Tropical Water Quality Hub (TWQ) Hub has helped Jaragun NRM, an Aboriginal small business south of Cairns, demonstrate the effectiveness of their Babinda Swamp Constructed Wetland project. The project has paved the way for collaboration on future projects in the Russell River catchment of Far North Queensland. Liz Owen from Jaragun said that the
- [From exposure to risk: novel experimental approaches to analyze cumulative impacts](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/03/20/from-exposure-to-risk-novel-experimental-approaches-to-analyze-cumulative-impacts/) - Innovative approaches to analyzing cumulative impact on the health of the Great Barrier Reef’s ecosystems by the Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub are providing key underpinning information for Great Barrier Reef managers of the world-famous coral reef. Multiple journal papers published under a NESP TWQ Hub Project led by Dr Sven Uthicke at the Australian
- [Research on seagrass light thresholds guides port development](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/03/13/research-on-seagrass-light-thresholds-guides-port-development/) - Research on the levels of light needed to sustain seagrass communities is being applied in infrastructure development in rapidly-growing coastal communities in Australia’s north. Seagrass meadows are a vital yet often overlooked component of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, providing food, shelter and breeding areas to many key species, in addition to acting as a
- [Wetland evaluation helps Indigenous business outcomes](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/03/06/wetland-evaluation-helps-indigenous-business-outcomes/) - In 2012, in an effort to combat invasive plant species on wetlands on their Country near Ingham, Mungalla Aboriginal Corporation, owned by the Nywaigi Traditional Owners, removed an earthen bund wall isolating 230 hectares of wetland from saline tidal water. The effectiveness of their action was evaluated years later by Dr Nathan Waltham for a
- [Defining seagrass health for reef management](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/02/20/defining-seagrass-health-for-reef-management/) - Major flood events in North Queensland (such as those that recently hit Townsville and other communities) can send massive flood plumes out toward the Great Barrier Reef. These flood plumes can transport huge quantities of sediment and pollutants like pesticides and dissolved inorganic nitrogen out to the World Heritage area and affect seagrass meadows, which
- [Community group building better wetlands with TWQ Hub research](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/02/27/community-group-building-better-wetlands-with-twq-hub-research/) - A constructed wetland project in Far North Queensland is more effectively improving quality of the water heading out to the Great Barrier Reef thanks to its involvement with Tropical Water Quality Hub research. Dr Faye Falco-Mammone from Johnstone Region Landcare Group (JRLC) sought the advice of the Tropical Water Quality Hub in planning the Tully
- [Evaluating the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/02/22/evaluating-the-beauty-of-the-great-barrier-reef/) - Australians help science by identifying what truly makes the Great Barrier Reef ‘beautiful’. Environmental managers of the Great Barrier Reef will benefit from new research led by CSIRO that identifies indicators for monitoring coral reef aesthetics. Conducted by Australia’s national science agency and involving hundreds of Australians, the research helps Reef managers to improve monitoring
- [Research Plan Version 5 released](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/02/13/research-plan-version-5-released/) - The fifth round of Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub research projects builds on successful world-class research on factors affecting water quality in Australia’s northern marine ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef. Research Plan Version 5, focuses on cross-integrating and scaling up research from the previous four research plans. This includes applying the Crown of Thorns
- [Why we don’t know if Irukandji jellyfish are moving south](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/01/22/why-we-dont-know-if-irukandji-jellyfish-are-moving-south/) - Reports that Irukandji jellyfish might be moving south may be panicking people unnecessarily. It’s almost impossible to tell where the tiny jellyfish are along our coast, but that could change with new technology that can “sweep” the ocean for traces of DNA. Read more Published in The Conversation, January 22, 2019 3.24pm AEDT
- [Which corals survive mass bleaching events?](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2018/12/19/which-corals-survive-mass-bleaching-events/) - A Tropical Water Quality Hub research project led by Dr Line Bay at the Australian Institute for Marine Science is focused on the genetic characteristics of corals that have survived bleaching events. Dr Bay and her team have been collecting corals from the northern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) for two years with the support of GBR
- [It's jellyfish season in Tropical North Queensland](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2019/01/17/its-jellyfish-season-in-tropical-north-queensland/) - It's jellyfish season in Tropical North Queensland, and being able to forecast sting risk for one of the world's most venomous creatures is one key part of creating a robust early-warning forecasting system. A NESP TWQ Hub project has identified key factors that lead to an increase in sting risk across Great Barrier Reef coastal
- [Pigs shut out of critical Queensland wetlands](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2018/08/31/pigs-shut-out-of-critical-queensland-wetlands/) - James Cook University researchers are assessing how much conservation value can be gained from a simple fence. Dr Nathan Waltham from JCU’s Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) said 56 hectares of wetlands at Eurimbula National Park and on freehold land south of Gladstone have been fenced off with 3kms of feral
- [NESP TWQ Project 3.1.2 James Cook University grower tour](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2018/03/14/nesp-twq-project-3-1-2-james-cook-university-grower-tour/) - Dr Yvette Everingham from the National Environmental Science Program and Steve Attard from Agritech Solutions show cane farmers from across Queensland around the Internet of Things demonstration paddock at James Cook University in Cairns, Australia
- [NESP Science Day](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2017/10/27/nesp-science-day/) - A NESP Science Day is to be held in Townsville on Monday 20th November, with presentations from many of the Tropical Water Quality research project leaders. To find out more details and how to register your attendance please click here.
- [Tweet streams: how social media can help keep tabs on ecosystems’ health](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2017/08/14/tweet-streams-how-social-media-can-help-keep-tabs-on-ecosystems-health/) - Susanne Becken, Griffith University; Bela Stantic, Griffith University, and Rod Connolly, Griffith University Social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram could be a rich source of free information for scientists tasked with monitoring the health of coral reefs and other environmental assets, our new research suggests. Ecosystems are under pressure all
- [Project 25 (2.1.7)](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/08/18/project-25-2-1-7/) - Monitoring and improving water quality in the runoff of sugar cane catchments in Far North Queensland is critical to protecting the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
- [December 2016 e-newsletter](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/12/14/december-2016-e-newsletter/) - The December edition of "View From TWQ" is now online. Read more
- [An examination of the ability of coral geochemical records to reconstruct suspended sediment loads to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/09/07/an-examination-of-the-ability-of-coral-geochemical-records-to-reconstruct-suspended-sediment-loads-to-the-great-barrier-reef-lagoon/) - Stephen Lewis’s project “An examination of the ability of coral geochemical records to reconstruct suspended sediment loads to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon” (Project 1.3), has now produced its Final Report and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 1.3 then click here.
- [Benchmarking costs of improving agricultural water management in GBR catchments - Final Report](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/03/31/benchmarking-costs-of-improving-agricultural-water-management-in-gbr-catchments-final-report/) - John Rolfe’s project “Benchmarking costs of improving agricultural water management in GBR catchments” (Project 3.10), has now produced it’s Final Report and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 3.10 then click here.
- [Reducing sediment sources to the Reef: testing the effectiveness of managing alluvial gully erosion](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/07/19/reducing-sediment-sources-to-the-reef-testing-the-effectiveness-of-managing-alluvial-gully-erosion/) - Andrew Brooks’s project “Reducing sediment sources to the Reef: testing the effectiveness of managing alluvial gully erosion” (Project 1.7), has now produced its Final Report and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 1.7 then click here.
- [Round 3 Call for Research Proposals](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/07/01/round-3-call/) - The Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub, established under the National Environmental Science Programme (NESP), is calling for proposals for research projects. We are seeking proposals for projects of up to 3 years duration, with an anticipated starting date of 1 January 2017, and that provide a minimum 1:1 co-investment (cash and/or in-kind). This call for
- [Improving historical estimates of abundance and distribution of dugongs and large green turtles in western and central Torres Strait](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/07/07/improving-historical-estimates-of-abundance-and-distribution-of-dugongs-and-large-green-turtles-in-western-and-central-torres-strait/) - Helene Marsh’s project “Improving historical estimates of abundance and distribution of dugongs and large green turtles in western and central Torres Strait” (Project 3.2), has now produced two Final Reports. Report 1, Working with the community to understand the use of space by dugongs and green turtles in Torres Strait can be viewed here and
- [Sub-catchment scale monitoring, modelling and extension design to support reef water quality improvement](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/07/06/sub-catchment-scale-monitoring-modelling-and-extension-design-to-support-reef-water-quality-improvement/) - Aaron Davis’s project “Sub-catchment scale monitoring, modelling and extension design to support reef water quality improvement” (Project 1.8), has now produced it’s Final Report, and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 1.8 then click here.
- [NESP TWQ Hub Research Plan 1 Project Outcomes](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/05/11/nesp-twq-hub-research-plan-1-project-outcomes/) - The NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub Research Plan 1 Project Outcomes Report can now be viewed here. This report provides a snapshot of the project outcomes from the TWQ Hub Research Plan 1, each project has a short project background and project outcomes.
- [Assessing the cumulative impacts of climatic disturbances on inshore GBR coral reefs, identifying key refuges and testing the viability of manipulative reef restoration](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/05/09/assessing-climatic-disturbances-on-inshore-gbr-coral-reefs/) - Geoff Jones’s project “ Assessing the cumulative impacts of climatic disturbances on inshore GBR coral reefs, identifying key refuges and testing the viability of manipulative reef restoration” (Project 2.1), has now produced it’s Final Report, and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 2.1 then click here.
- [Monitoring and reducing governance risks facing the GBR](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/05/24/monitoring-and-reducing-governance-risks-facing-the-gbr/) - Allan Dale’s project “Monitoring and adaptively reducing system-wide governance risks facing the GBR” (Project 3.11), has now produced it’s Final Report, and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 3.11 then click here.
- [Could ‘nitrogen trading’ help the Great Barrier Reef?](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/06/17/could-nitrogen-trading-help-the-great-barrier-reef/) - Among the increasing sums of money being pledged to help save the Great Barrier Reef is a federal government pledge to spend A$40 millionon improving water quality. The Queensland government has promised another A$33.5 million for the same purpose. Read more
- [Light thresholds for seagrasses of the GBR](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/04/19/2100/) - Catherine Collier’s project “Light thresholds for seagrasses of the GBR: a synthesis and guiding document for managing seagrass” (Project 3.3), has now produced it’s Final Report and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 3.3 then click here.
- [Indigenous engagement critical for successful environment programs](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/05/09/indigenous-engagement-critical-for-successful-environment-programs/) - Melissa George and Ro Hill's project “Indigenous capacity building and increased participation in management of Queensland sea country” (Project 3.9), has now produced it’s Final Report, and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 3.9 then click here
- [Improving approaches for management of impacts on the GBR](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/05/04/improving-approaches-for-management-of-impacts-on-the-gbr/) - Sven Uthicke’s project “Multiple and cumulative impacts on the GBR: assessment of current status and development of improved approaches for management” (Project 1.6), has now produced it’s Final Report, and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 1.6 then click here.
- [Identifying & prioritizing emerging contaminants in the GBR and Torres Strait marine environments](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/04/28/identifying-prioritizing-emerging-contaminants-in-the-gbr-and-torres-strait-marine-environments/) - Frederieke Kroon’s project “Identification, impacts, and prioritization of emerging contaminants present in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait marine environments” (Project 1.10), has now produced it’s Final Report, and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 1.10 then click here.
- [Assessment of Key Dugong and Turtle Seagrass resources in North-west Torres Strait](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/04/27/assessment-of-key-dugong-and-turtle-seagrass-resources-in-north-west-torres-strait/) - Michael Rasheed’s project “Assessment of key dugong and turtle seagrass resources in the northern Torres Strait” (Project 3.5), has now produced it’s Final Report, and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 3.5 then click here.
- [Integrated pest management of crown-of-thorns starfish on the GBR](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/04/21/integrated-pest-management-of-crown-of-thorns-starfish-on-the-gbr/) - David Westcott’s project “Establishing the future NESP CoTS research framework including an ecologically-based approach to the management of CoTS at multiple scales” (Project 1.1), has now produced it’s Final Report, and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 1.1 then click here.
- [Investments in riparian management in the GBR catchments](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/04/19/investments-in-riparian-management-in-the-gbr-catchments/) - Rebecca Bartley’s project “Developing an approach to evaluate the effectiveness of investments in riparian management in the GBR catchments” (Project 1.2), has now produced it’s Final Reports, Part A can be viewed here and Part B can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 1.2 then click here.
- [A tradable permit scheme for cost-effective  reduction of nitrogen runoff in the sugarcane  catchments of the Great Barrier Reef – Final Report](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/04/06/a-tradable-permit-scheme-for-cost-effective-reduction-of-nitrogen-runoff-in-the-sugarcane-catchments-of-the-great-barrier-reef/) - Jim Smart’s project “A tradable permit scheme for cost-effective reduction of nitrogen runoff in the sugarcane catchments of the Great Barrier Reef” (Project 2.2), has now produced it’s Final Report and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 2.2 then click here.
- [Developing and refining biological indicators for condition assessments in an integrated monitoring program - Final Report](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/03/24/mapping-gbr-seagrass-meadows-final-report/) - Catherine Collier's project "Developing and refining biological indicators for seagrass condition assessments in an integrated monitoring program" (Project 3.4), has now produced it's Final Report and can be viewed here. If you want to get more info about Project 3.4 then click here.
- [Tropical Water Quality Hub’s diverse Steering Committee](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/03/24/tropical-water-quality-hubs-diverse-steering-committee/) - The Tropical Water Quality Hub’s diverse Steering Committee gives it a unique advantage. The quality of Australia’s tropical marine environments is critical to the health of natural icons like the Great Barrier Reef and by extension the wide range of industries that depend on it. Read more
- [Project 3.1 Final Report](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/03/10/project-3-1-final-report/) - The Final Report for Rob Coles’s Project 3.1 is now online to view. Head over here to take a look. If you want to get more info about Project 3.1 then click here.
- [Project 1.9 Final Report](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/02/19/project-1-9-final-report/) - The Final Report for Britta Schaffelke’s Project 1.9 is now online to view. Head over here to take a look. If you want to get more info about Project 1.9 then click here.
- [Project 3.6 Final Report](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/03/09/project-3-6-final-report/) - The Final Report for Mike Kingsford’s Project 3.6 is now online to view. Head over here to take a look. If you want to get more info about Project 3.6 then click here.
- [Greg Hunt Media Release](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/03/03/greg-hunt-media-release/) - Read the full media release by The Hon. Greg Hunt MP about new Government funding of $4.8 to tackle gully erosion in Great Barrier Reef catchments here
- [Project 1.5 Final Report](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/01/27/project-1-5-final-report/) - The Final Report for Romy Greiner's Project 1.5 is now online to view. Head over here to take a look. If you want to get more info about Project 1.5 then click here.
- [Project 3.8 Final Report](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/01/20/project-3-8-final-report/) - The Final Report for Prue Addison's Project 3.8 is now online to view. Head over here to take a look. If you want to get more info about Project 3.8 then click here.
- [Project 3.7 Final Report](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2016/01/14/project-3-7-final-report/) - The Final Report for Hugh Sweatman's Project 3.7 is now online to view. Head over here to take a look. If you want to get more info about Project 3.7 then click here.
- ['A line of dump trucks from Perth to Sydney and back again'](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2015/11/24/a-line-of-dump-trucks-from-perth-to-sydney-and-back-again-how-sediment-is-killing-the-great-barrier-reef/) - Scientists say the federal and Queensland governments will not meet their international commitments aimed at rescuing the Great Barrier Reef unless they urgently tackle soil run-off. Dr Andrew Brooks from the Australian Rivers Institute said six years of field research revealed that alluvial gully erosion, most typically on grazing land, was the largest land-use driven
- [Solution at hand for saving Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2015/11/23/solution-at-hand-for-saving-great-barrier-reef/) - Our team from Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute has identified thousands of hectares of rapidly eroding gullies in the rivers that feed fine sediment into the waters of the ailing Great Barrier Reef. Read More
- [Round 2 Funding Applications Open](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2015/09/14/test-post-1/) - Applications for NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub multi-year research proposals are open from 14 September 2015. The following documents should be referred to in completing a funding application proposal: Tropical Water Quality Hub Research Priorities for Second Round Funding Tropical Water Quality Hub Pro-forma for Second Round Funding Tropical Water Quality Hub Call for Multi-Year
- [Greg Hunt & Warren Entsch Media Release](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2015/09/23/greg-hunt-warren-entsch-media-release/) - Read the full media release by The Hon. Greg Hunt MP and The Hon. Warren Entsch MP about the launch of the Australian Government funded NESP TWQ Hub here
- [NESP TWQ Hub Launch](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2015/09/22/twq-hub-launch/) - Today the NESP TWQ Hub was officially launched by the Hon. Greg Hunt, Minister of the Environment at the Deeral Boat Landing. Amongst those also in attendance were the Hon. Warren Entsch, Member for Leichhardt; Damian Burrows (Hub Leader); Leith Bully (Steering Committee Chair); and Sheriden Morris (RRRC Managing Director). Traditional owners, farmers and other stakeholders were also at the
- [New $32 million research hub aims to improve Great Barrier Reef water quality](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/2015/09/22/new-32-million-research-hub-aims-to-improve-great-barrier-reef-water-quality/) - A NEW brains trust has been recruited to reverse poor water quality on the Great Barrier Reef, and to help protect the natural asset’s $5.2 billion tourism industry. Environment Minister Greg Hunt, who is expected to be in Cairns today, will announce 24 innovative research projects to be carried out by the Federal Government’s Tropical

## Pages

- [Home](https://nesptropical.edu.au/) - A Synthesis of NESP TWQ Hub research A suite of products prepared in the final year of the NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub brings together the learnings of multiple research projects and initiatives in the Hub, to provide a more complete picture of Australia's tropical water quality, coastal management and the Great Barrier Reef. The
- [Case Studies](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/case-studies/) - Project 6.5 Project 6.6
- [Project 6.6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-6-projects/project-6-6/) - Influencing agriculture practice behaviour change and trust frameworks Led by: Dr Suzanne Long, RRRC Project Summary The ecologically-determined water quality improvement targets for the Great Barrier Reef can only be met with significant improvement in farm management practices. Numerous programs over many years, utilising a variety of approaches, have worked with land managers and
- [Project 2.2.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-2-1/) - Identifying the water quality and ecosystem health threats to the high diversity Torres Strait and Far Northern GBR from runoff from the Fly River Led by: Jane Waterhouse, JCU Project Summary Runoff from the Fly River in Papua New Guinea influences water quality conditions in the Torres Strait (TS) region however the extent and frequency
- [Project 6.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-6-projects/project-6-2/) - Restoring ecosystems from catchment to reef Led by: Dr Suzanne Long, RRRC Project Summary A range of NESP TWQ Hub funded projects have delivered insights into improved ways of restoring and evaluating ecosystem restoration efforts, from catchments through to the reef and other marine environments. This work has mostly focused on sediments, nutrients and
- [Project 6.4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-6-projects/project-6-4/) - Reducing end-of-catchment fine sediment loads and ecosystem impacts Led by: Dr Johanna Johnson, RRRC Project Summary A wide range of NESP TWQ Hub projects have focused on the source, transport, fate and impact of sediments on estuarine, coastal and reef ecosystems. These projects have responded to the Reef 2050 Plan water quality targets and
- [Project 6.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-6-projects/project-6-3/) - Reducing nitrogen runoff without reducing industry productivity Led by: Dr Johanna Johnson, RRRC Project Summary Many NESP TWQ Hub projects have contributed to an improved understanding of nitrogen (N) management in sugarcane farming leading to reduced dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) losses via improved management advice and practical solutions. The synthesis project will bring together
- [Project 6.5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-6-projects/project-6-5/) - Improving coral condition through better informed resilience-based management Led by: Dr Johanna Johnson, RRRC Project Summary Resilience-based management and integrated monitoring and reporting through the Reef Integrated Monitoring and Reporting (RIMRep) program are key initiatives for managing the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). A wide range of NESP TWQ Hub projects have focused on resilience-based
- [Project 5.14](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-14/) - Identifying the water quality and ecosystem health threats to the Torres Strait from the Fly River runoff Led by: Jane Waterhouse, JCU / Simon Apte, CSIRO Project Summary Runoff from the Fly River in Papua New Guinea (PNG) influences water quality conditions in the Torres Strait region. Recent work (NESP Project 2.2.1 and 2.2.2)
- [Project 6.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-6-projects/project-6-1/) - Innovations in COTS control on the GBR Led by: Dr Suzanne Long, RRRC Project Summary For decades, crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) research effort has been fragmented and failed to inform improvements in the effectiveness of COTS control. However, under the NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) research program, a more collaborative and
- [Project 5.8](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-8/) - What’s really damaging the Reef? Tracing the origin and fate of the environmentally detrimental sediment and associated bioavailable nutrients Led by: Dr Stephen Lewis, JCU Project Summary Recent research has shown that only a portion of the fine sediment fraction delivered from rivers draining into the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon (GBRL) reaches coral reefs
- [Project 5.5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-5/) - Measuring aesthetic and experience values using Big Data approaches Led by: Prof Susanne Becken, GU Project Summary This proposed research responds to the urgent need of understanding how ecological changes affect the aesthetic value and the user experience of the Great Barrier Reef, and how these could be measured and monitored in a cost-effective
- [Journal Articles - Round 5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/journal-articles-round-5/)
- [Journal Articles - Round 2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/journal-articles-2/)
- [Project 2.1.9](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-1-9/) - Risk assessing dredging activities Led by: Dr Ross Jones, AIMS Project Summary The project will use novel analytical techniques/instrumentation to accurately quantify, for the first time, key proximal stressors associated with dredging/spoil disposal (i.e. sedimentation, light quantity/quality, suspended sediment concentrations) and will determine how these parameters vary with increasing distance from dredging. We will
- [Project 4.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-3/) - Best practice coral restoration for the Great Barrier Reef Led by: Dr Ian McLeod, JCU Project Summary As coral cover in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) continues to degrade, pressure is growing for direct interventions to assist the recovery of corals at important sites. A range of coral restoration and assisted recovery techniques have
- [Videos](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/videos/) - NESP TWQ Synthesis December 2021 NESP TWQ Project 5.8 What’s really damaging the Reef? Tracing the origin and fate of the environmentally detrimental sediment and associated bioavailable nutrients April 2021 NESP TWQ Project 4.3 Orpheus Island Reef Restoration and Leadership Workshop 2020 November 2020 NESP TWQ Project 4.3 Coral Gardeners of
- [Contact Us](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/contact-form/) - Give us a call +61 (0)7 4050 7400 or Email us direct enquiries@rrrc.org.au or Drop in Suite F4, Level 1, The Conservatory Building 9 Abbott Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870 or Fill out the form
- [Final Reports – Round 5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/final-reports-round-5/)
- [Project 5.12](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-12/) - Scoping land use conversion options for high DIN risk, low-lying sugarcane areas in Burdekin and Mackay Whitsunday regions Led by: Dr Nathan Waltham, JCU Project Summary The Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan 2017-2022 have set ambitious targets for Great Barrier Reef (GBR) water quality improvement. Indeed, Water Quality
- [Final Reports – Round 4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/final-reports-round-4/)
- [Project 4.12](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-12/) - Measuring cost-effectiveness and identifying key barriers and enablers of lasting behavioural change in the cane industry Led by: Prof Sharyn Rundle-Thiele, GU Project Summary This project will: Develop methodologies for assessing cost-effectiveness and for identifying key drivers of variation in cost-effectiveness in data-challenging situations Use developed methods to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a range
- [Hub Administration](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/hub-administration/)
- [Project 5.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-2/) - From exposure to risk: Novel experimental approaches to analyse cumulative impacts and determine thresholds in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) Led by: Dr Sven Uthicke, AIMS Project Summary Understanding cumulative impacts from multiple stressors will be critical for successful management of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) under the Reef2050 Plan. We
- [Project 3.3.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/project-3-3-2/) - Science evaluation of coastal wetland systems repair projects across GBR catchments Led by: Dr Nathan Waltham, JCU Project Summary State and Federal agencies are funding many GBR wetland system repair projects (Mungalla wetlands $1.2M; Reef Trust/Greening Australia $4M; Restoring Burdekin Coastal Ecosystems $837K; Roundhill Creek wetland/FHA $65K, Babinda Swamp Constructed Wetland ~$1.97M). The problem
- [Journal Articles - Round 3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/journal-articles-3/)
- [Final Reports - Round 6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/final-reports-round-6-2/) - Project 6.5
- [Technical Reports - Round 6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/technical-reports-round-6-5/) - Project 6.5
- [Technical Reports – Round 6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/technical-reports-round-6-2/) - Project 6.5
- [Technical Reports – Round 5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/technical-reports-round-6/)
- [Round 6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/reports/round-6/)
- [Project 4.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-2/) - Oceanographic drivers of bleaching in the GBR: from observations to prediction Led by: Craig Steinberg, AIMS Project Summary This project seeks to understand how local, regional and global oceanographic and meteorological processes influence the severity and spatial variability of thermally driven coral bleaching for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and Torres Strait. All available
- [NESP TWQ Hub Impacts & Achievements Conference](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/events/hub-impacts-achievements-conference/) - 28th-29th April 2021 Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia Event Program & Abstracts Session 1: Nutrient Management Aaron Davis, James Cook University – Steve Calcagno, CANEGROWERS Mike Bell, University of Queensland Tony Webster, CSIRO Rachel Hay, James Cook University Jane Waterhouse, James Cook University Eric Wang, James Cook Univeristy Session 2: Sediment
- [Project 3.3.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-3-1/) - Quantifying the linkages between water quality and the thermal tolerance of GBR coral reefs Led by: Dr Line Bay, AIMS Project Summary This project will deliver two outcomes: (i) understanding of how water quality (WQ) exposure affects the ability of corals to resist and recover from bleaching, (ii) a modelling framework to identify management
- [Project 2.1.6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-1-6/) - From exposure to risk: novel experimental approaches to analyze cumulative impacts and determine thresholds in the GBRWHA Led by: Dr Sven Uthicke, AIMS Project Summary Understanding cumulative impacts from multiple stressors will be critical for successful management of the GBR under the Reef2050 Plan. The project will produce experimental analyses of concentration-response relationships for
- [Journal Articles - Round 4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/journal-articles-4/)
- [Project 2.1.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-1-2/) - Scoping options for low-lying, marginal cane land to reduce DIN in priority wet tropics catchments Led by: Dr Nathan Waltham, JCU Project Summary This project will explore alternative land use options to reduce nitrogen losses from marginal sugarcane land in priority wet tropics catchments. The Wet Tropics Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) identified that
- [Project 4.10](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-10/) - Evaluating the costs and benefits of agricultural land conversion to wetlands Led by: Dr Nathan Waltham, JCU Project Summary Government (e.g. Major Integrated Projects, MIPs) and private investors (e.g. Kilter Rural Group, WWF, and Greening Australia) are increasingly interested in nitrogen reduction projects, particularly via conversion of land to wetlands. Investing in such projects
- [Project 4.8](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-8/) - ‘Project 25’ – farmers, water quality and on-farm decision-making Led by: Dr Aaron Davis, JCU Project Summary Landholder concerns surrounding the credibility of broad-scale water quality monitoring and modelling initiatives in the GBR catchment area is emerging as one of the key cane industry engagement challenges for promoting significant farming practice change, and delivering
- [Project 2.1.10](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-1-10/) - The application and adaption of mine site rehabilitation approaches to alluvial gully rehabilitation in the Bowen Catchment Led by: Dr Andrew Brooks, GU Project Summary This project will develop the partnerships and the institutional framework for implementing large scale innovative rehabilitation works which aim to directly reduce sediment supply from the large alluvial gullies
- [Project 4.6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-6/) - Recommendations for maintaining functioning of the Great Barrier Reef Led by: Prof Peter Mumby, UQ Project Summary The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing increased environmental stress which threatens its functioning. Yet a subset of species are often disproportionately important in maintaining a functioning ecosystem. This project harnesses Queensland’s breadth of reef expertise to deliver
- [Factsheets - Round 4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/factsheets-round-4/)
- [Project 4.13](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-13/) - Assessing the Gulf of Carpentaria mangrove dieback Led by: Dr Norman Duke, JCU Project Summary In early 2016, extensive dieback of mangrove forests was recorded along the southern and western Gulf of Carpentaria coastline. Landsat analysis suggests that 7,400 hectares of mangrove forest suffered dieback over a relatively short and synchronous time period around
- [Factsheets - Round 5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/factsheets-round-5/)
- [Final Reports - Round 3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/final-reports-round-3/)
- [Factsheets - Round 6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/factsheets-round-6/)
- [Project 5.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-1/) - Matching the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Integrated Pest Management to the scale of the new Control Program Led by: Dr David Westcott, CSIRO Project Summary The CoTS IPM program is designing an ecologically informed control program that integrates knowledge of the spatial and temporal dynamics of CoTS outbreaks and the operations of on-water control to provide
- [Project 4.4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-4/) - The traits of corals that survived recent bleaching events Led by: Dr Kate Quigley, AIMS Project Summary The past two years have seen unprecedented coral bleaching on the GBR but the consequences on biodiversity and genetic diversity are not yet known. This project will address the following questions: 1) Has bleaching resulted in
- [Project 5.11](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-11/) - Improved water quality outcomes from on-farm nitrogen management Led by: Prof Michael Bell , UQ Project Summary The sugar industry occupies 350,000ha in Reef catchments, applies >55,000t of nitrogen (N) fertilizer annually and is a major contributor of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) to Great Barrier Reef receiving waters. There are many potential mechanisms for
- [Technical Reports – Round 5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/technical-reports-round-5/)
- [Technical Reports – Round 4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/technical-reports-round-4/)
- [Project 4.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-1/) - Crown-of-thorns starfish: surveillance and life history Led by: Dr David Westcott, CSIRO Project Summary This project supports the implementation of the NESP Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Integrated Pest Management Project’s management and research strategy by i) describing ecological parameters key to parameterizing the tools underpinning the management strategy, ii) analysing existing data sets to assess management
- [Project 5.10](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-10/) - Development and application of automated tools for high resolution gully mapping and classification from LiDAR data Led by: Dr Andrew Brooks, GU Project Summary Accurately mapping gullies at high resolution and quantifying their key attributes is the critical first step in the process of prioritising and designing rehabilitation solutions. At least 40% of the
- [Project 5.4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-4/) - Deriving ecologically relevant targets to meet desired ecosystem condition for the Great Barrier Reef: A case study for seagrass meadows in the Burdekin region Led by: Dr Catherine Collier, JCU Project Summary This project will derive Ecologically Relevant Targets (ERTs) for sediment loads for the Burdekin basin and provide the seagrass desired state across
- [Final Reports - Round 2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/final-reports-round-2/)
- [Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/crown-of-thorns-starfish-control/) - Outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) are responsible for substantial losses of live coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). They are also one of the few threats to the Reef that is amenable to direct intervention. Few insights were available to inform efforts to control crown-of-thorns starfish when the current outbreak on the
- [Project 5.13](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-13/) - Coastal wetland systems repair across GBR catchments – values based causal framework validation Led by: Dr Nathan Waltham, JCU Project Summary Conservation and repair of the coastal wetland ecosystems’ in the Great Barrier Reef catchments have come into focus following media converging on the point that the reef health and land use in catchments has
- [Project 5.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-3/) - Benthic light as ecologically-validated GBR-wide indicator for water quality: Drivers, thresholds and cumulative risks Led by: Dr Barbara Robson, AIMS Project Summary The project is developing a water quality indicator based on benthic PAR (light penetrating to the seafloor). We have experimentally estimated irradiance thresholds for ecosystem health for the Great Barrier Reef and
- [Project 5.7](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-7/) - Assessment and communication of the spatial variability in bleaching severity throughout the Great Barrier Reef following back-to-back bleaching events in 2016 & 2017 Led by: Dr Neal Cantin, AIMS Project Summary This desktop analysis of existing bleaching observations and data will deliver three key outcomes: a quantitative assessment of the spatial variability of severe
- [Round 5 Projects](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/) - Theme 1: Direct Interventions in the Marine Environment Project 5.1 Matching the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Integrated Pest Management to the scale of the new Control Program Dr David Westcott, CSIRO Theme 2: Informing Reef Management in a Post-Bleaching/Increased Cyclone Frequency World Project 5.2 From exposure to risk: Novel experimental approaches to analyse cumulative impacts and determine
- [Project 5.9](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-9/) - Gully Remediation Effectiveness Led by: Dr Rebecca Bartley, CSIRO Project Summary There is significant Government investment in water quality improvement focused on reducing gully erosion (~$50M), however, there is limited measured data to demonstrate the effectiveness of the remediation approaches. This project is collecting land condition, terrain and water quality data from five
- [Project 2.1.5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-1-5/) - What’s really damaging the Reef? Tracing the origin and fate of the environmentally detrimental sediment Led by: Dr Stephen Lewis, JCU Project Summary Recent research has shown that only a portion of the fine sediment fraction delivered from rivers draining into the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon (GBRL) reaches coral reefs and seagrass meadows. The
- [Project 4.5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-5/) - Guidance system for resilience-based management of the Great Barrier Reef Led by: Prof Peter Mumby, UQ Project Summary Reefs vary in their risk of damage, recoverability, and responsiveness to management. Deciding where to prioritise action to maximise reef health is complex. This project delivers a guidance system to implement Resilience-Based Management and demonstrates its
- [Project 3.1.7](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-1-7/) - Reducing sediment loads to the Great Barrier Reef: developing optimal approaches for treating alluvial gully erosion Led by: Assoc Prof Andrew Brooks, GU Project Summary Alluvial gullies have been shown to be major sources of fine sediment and nutrients to the GBR lagoon, and yet to date there is no accepted practice as to
- [Project 3.1.6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-1-6/) - Exploring trading in water quality credits as a cost-effective approach for managing water quality in the Great Barrier Reef Led by: Dr Jim Smart, GU Project Summary This project will scope opportunities for water quality credit trading, and develop trading frameworks for managing nitrogen and sediment along the Reef coast. The objective is to
- [Technical Reports – Round 3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/technical-reports-round-3/)
- [Project 3.1.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-1-1/) - Implementation of the Crown-of-thorns research strategy: regional strategies Led by: Dr David Westcott, CSIRO Project Summary Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) management requires decisions be made about where to invest control effort in order to achieve regional scale objectives, e.g. to modify COTS spread or to facilitate coral recovery. However, no objective basis for choosing sites
- [Webinars](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/webinars/) - Project 3.1.1 Project 3.1.6 Project 3.2.1 Projects 3.3.2, 5.12 & 5.13 Project 4.2 Project 4.12 Project 5.3 Project 5.10 Project 6.3 Project 6.4
- [Project 3.2.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-2-1/) - Deriving ecologically relevant load targets to meet desired ecosystem condition for the Great Barrier Reef: a case study for seagrass meadows in the Burdekin region Led by: Dr Catherine Collier, JCU Project Summary This project will derive ecologically relevant targets (ERTs) for water quality and sediment loads by: 1) defining seagrass desired state targets;
- [Project 3.1.5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-1-5/) - Ecotoxicology of pesticides on the Great Barrier Reef for guideline development and risk assessments Led by: Dr Andrew Negri, AIMS Project Summary Over 50 land-sourced pesticides have been detected in waters of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and its catchments. Previous studies on the risks posed by pesticides have focused on five priority PSII
- [Project 2.3.5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-3-5/) - eAtlas - Data management for environmental research Led by: Dr Eric Lawrey, AIMS Project Summary Having ready access to the best available information, scientific knowledge and data is vital for evidence based environmental management and for science that builds on the prior work of others. The eAtlas is a web based knowledge and data
- [Project 2.3.4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-3-4/) - Working with Traditional Owners and local citizens to better manage GBR estuarine wetlands Led by: Dr Norman Duke, JCU Project Summary Traditional Owner rangers and local citizens of the Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC) TUMRA will be engaged in developing a Mangrove Management Plan (MMP) that provides a strategic basis for estuarine repair activity
- [Project 2.3.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-3-3/) - Building Indigenous livelihood and co-management opportunities in the Northern GBR – ecosystem services and conservation governance for water quality Led by: Dr Marcus Barber, CSIRO Project Summary This project supports Indigenous co-management and livelihoods by scoping and developing culturally-appropriate ecosystem services (ES) products focused on water quality. Local and regional Indigenous development agencies in
- [Project 2.3.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-3-2/) - ‘Human sensors’ for monitoring Great Barrier Reef environmental changes and quality of marine waters through harnessing Big Data analysis Led by: Prof Susanne Becken, GU Project Summary This project will take a novel approach to improving monitoring of environmental and aesthetic conditions in real time by capitalising on information provided through micro-blogs from visitors
- [Project 2.3.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-3-1/) - Benthic light as ecologically-validated GBR-wide indicator for water quality: drivers, thresholds and cumulative risks Led by: Dr Katharina Fabricius, AIMS Project Summary The project will develop a water quality indicator based on benthic irradiance (the amount of light penetrating to the seafloor). Using experiments and field data we will develop irradiance thresholds for measures
- [Project 2.2.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-2-3/) - Early warning systems to minimize the risk of box jellyfish stings by empowering stakeholders Led by: Dr Scott Condie, CSIRO Project Summary This project will minimise the risk of box jellyfish stings by empowering stakeholders with an early warning system. The project will first develop an openly-accessible database based on information from existing sting
- [Project 2.2.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-2-2/) - Impacts of mine-derived pollution on Torres Strait environments and communities Led by: Dr Simon Apte, CSIRO Project Summary This study addresses concerns regarding the impacts of mine-derived pollution on the marine resources of the Torres Strait. Using state of the art procedures, trace metal concentrations in marine waters and sediments will be determined at
- [Project 2.1.8](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-1-8/) - Improved Water Quality Outcomes from On-Farm Nitrogen Management Led by: Prof Mike Bell, UQ Project Summary The sugar industry occupies 350,000ha in Reef catchments, applied 58,000t of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in 2014 and is a major contributor of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) to Great Barrier Reef receiving waters. There are many potential mechanisms for
- [Project 2.1.7](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-1-7/) - Engaging with farmers and demonstrating water quality outcomes to create confidence in on-farm decision-making (also known as Project 25) Led by: Dr Aaron Davis, JCU Project Summary Recent global experiences suggest that spatially identifying and prioritizing landscape ‘hotspots’ of pollutant generation for management intervention, and small catchment-scale water quality monitoring in collaboration with landholders
- [Project 2.1.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-1-1/) - Integrated Pest Management of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Led by: Dr David Westcott, CSIRO Project Summary Successful Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (CoTS) management will, for the foreseeable future, depend on manual control at specific sites being effective and efficient. This project will develop an Integrated Pest Management approach to site management, based on a detailed understanding of CoTS ecology
- [Project 2.1.4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-1-4/) - Demonstration and evaluation of gully remediation on downstream water quality and agricultural production in GBR rangelands Led by: Dr Rebecca Bartley, CSIRO Project Summary This project will evaluate the cost, effectiveness and biophysical processes of gully remediation options in the Burdekin Region. Sub-surface soil erosion is the major source of anthropogenic sediment delivered to
- [Project 2.1.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/project-2-1-3/) - Harnessing the science of social marketing and behaviour change for improved water quality in the GBR: an action research project Led by: Prof Lynne Eagle, JCU Project Summary Working in partnership with staff from the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment (DotE), and the Queensland Government’s Departments of Science Information Technology and Innovation (DSITI)
- [Project 3.2.4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-2-4/) - Defining, assessing and monitoring Great Barrier Reef aesthetics Led by: Dr Nadine Marshall, CSIRO Project Summary A key criteria for inscription of the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage Area is Criteria (VII) – exceptional natural beauty & aesthetic importance. Our project will work across social and ecological disciplines to identify, for the
- [Project 3.3.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-3-3/) - Defining the values of the ecological systems that influence the GBR and lie outside the marine park and world heritage area boundaries Led by: Johanna Johnson, JCU Project Summary The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA), globally recognised for its outstanding universal value, is an integrated and highly connected part of a larger
- [Project 3.2.5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-2-5/) - Testing and implementation of the water quality metric for the 2017 and 2018 reef report cards Led by: Dr Britta Schaffelke, AIMS Project Summary Report cards are used at various levels to summarise and communicate complex information on GBR health. The effectiveness of Reef Plan is communicated through the annual Reef Report card. In
- [Project 3.1.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-1-2/) - Improving water quality for the Great Barrier Reef and wetlands by better managing irrigation in the sugarcane farming system Led by: Assoc Prof Yvette Everingham, JCU Co-collaborator: Steve Attard, AgriTech Solutions Project Summary In pursuit of delivering multiple benefits across multiple ecosystems such as freshwater estuaries, wetlands and reefs, this project will work in
- [Project 3.2.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-2-2/) - The IMS 2050 Human Dimensions Project: cost-effective Indicators and metrics for key GBRWHA human dimensions Led by: Prof Allan Dale, JCU Project Summary Building on the work of the work of the GBR RIMReP Program Design Group, this project will develop cost-effective indicators and metrics for human dimension outcomes, objectives and targets in the
- [Project 3.2.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-2-3/) - Monitoring aesthetic value of the Great Barrier Reef by using artificial intelligence to score photos and videos Led by: Prof Susanne Becken, GU Project Summary This project addresses the urgent need to understand and monitor the aesthetic value of the Great Barrier Reef. Focusing on the fast-changing underwater systems of the Reef, this research
- [Project 3.1.8](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-1-8/) - Innovative economic levers: a system for underwriting risk of practice change in cane-farming Led by: Dr Peter Thorburn, CSIRO Project Summary This project will enable reduced DIN exports from cane lands by developing and promoting a tested framework for commercial insurance businesses to underwrite risk of nitrogen practice change in sugarcane farming. We will
- [Media Releases](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/media-releases/) - 4th November 2020 Release by CoralCoE at JCU Crown-of-thorns eat themselves out of house & home AA world-first study on the Great Barrier Reef shows crown-of-thorns starfish have the ability to find their own way home - a behaviour previously undocumented - but only if their neighbourhood is stocked with their favourite food: corals. Australian
- [New Great Barrier Reef water quality metric developed from light availability research](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/new-great-barrier-reef-water-quality-metric-developed-from-light-availability-research/) - In response to the need for more ecologically relevant and easily measured, yet widespread indices of water quality, TWQ Hub researchers have been investigating how to utilise remote-sensed light availability as a metric directly relevant to healthy and resilient corals and seagrasses across the Great Barrier Reef. Previous TWQ hub projects have investigated the relationship
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/november-2020/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Recently, the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee Senate Inquiry into farming practices impacting water quality in the Great Barrier Reef concluded. The Inquiry, and its associated public commentary and activity, was potentially challenging for the reef science community. Science is not easily conveyed in short answers, rather the whole story results from
- [Designing a GBR long-term monitoring program for Reef aesthetics](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/designing-a-gbr-long-term-monitoring-program-for-reef-aesthetics/) - Aesthetic beauty is a major driver of recreation and tourism to the Great Barrier Reef, and it forms an important part of the Reef’s World Heritage listing criteria. However, being able to assess the condition and trend of aesthetic heritage values for the Reef is a significant challenge, and to date there has been
- [November 2020](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/november-2020/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Existing infrastructure key to innovative new methods of retaining fertiliser on farmland • Designing a GBR long-term monitoring program for Reef aesthetics • International Forum for Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control (Cairns, 29-30 March 2021) • Great outcomes for COTS trainee diver graduates • New Great Barrier Reef
- [Tying it all together: Synthesising the achievements of the NESP TWQ Hub](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/tying-it-all-together-synthesising-the-achievements-of-the-nesp-twq-hub/) - The end of 2020 marks the culmination of 6-years’ worth of targeted, stakeholder-driven and solution-focused research by the Tropical Water Quality Hub. Working alongside up to 60 end-user organisations to define their applied environmental issues, we have commissioned 94 individual solution-seeking projects from our six key partner research institutions (CSIRO, AIMS, JCU, CQU, UQ and
- [Great outcomes for COTS trainee diver graduates](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/great-outcomes-for-cots-trainee-diver-graduates/) - TWQ Hub research recently investigated the outcomes for a number of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) control divers, all of whom have graduated from the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) initiative attached to the existing COTS Control Program. A recently published report describes some of the considerable additional social and economic benefits of the program,
- [International Forum for Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control (Cairns, 29-30 March 2021)](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/international-forum-for-crown-of-thorns-starfish-control-cairns-29-30-march-2021/) - A number of key NESP TWQ hub research projects will be contributing to the International Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Forum, scheduled for 29-30 March 2021 in Cairns, Far North Queensland. The collaborative event, hosted by the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, will be a valuable opportunity for those involved in
- [Existing infrastructure key to innovative new methods of retaining fertiliser on farmland](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/existing-infrastructure-key-to-innovative-new-methods-of-retaining-fertiliser-on-farmland/) - NESP TWQ Hub’s pilot project south of Cairns “Project 25” is enabling farmers and marine scientists to cooperate and work more closely together to protect the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef. The project is yielding major dividends and practical solutions with a number of farmers now looking to use the catchment’s existing farm
- [Project 3.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-2/) - Improving historical estimates of abundance and distribution of dugongs and large green turtles in western and central Torres Strait Led by: Prof Helene Marsh, JCU Project Summary This project will improve the accuracy of aerial survey estimates of the size and distribution of dugong and green turtle populations in western and central Torres Strait by:
- [Project 3.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-1/) - Seagrass mapping synthesis – A resource for marine park and coastal management Led by: Dr Rob Coles, JCU Project Summary Key to understanding the desired state of Queensland seagrasses is reliable data on seagrass distribution, abundance and species composition, and how this changes through time. Also valuable is the ability to reliably “drill” down from
- [Project 3.1.4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-1-4/) - Optimizing the management of riparian zones to improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef Led by: Dr Keryn Paul, CSIRO Project Summary This study uses evaluation of past investments to demonstrate effectiveness, and enable improved targeting, of riparian remediation works for reducing streambank erosion to achieve improved water quality outcomes within the Great
- [Project 3.1.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-3-1-3/) - Harnessing the science of social marketing in communication materials development and behaviour change for improved water quality in the GBR: a desktop review (Project 2.1.3 - Stage 2) Led by: Prof Lynne Eagle, JCU Project Summary This project extends project 2.1.3 which contains an analysis of communications to land holders for the Reef Trust
- [Project 4.11](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-11/) - Sources, transformations and fate of particulate and dissolved organic carbon – implications for the GBR Led by: Prof Michele Burford, GU Project Summary Organic carbon has traditionally been poorly studied in marine systems, but recent studies suggest that GBR microalgae can utilise organic matter, and that eroded soil carbon parameters can ameliorate marine algal
- [Project 4.9](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/project-4-9/) - Gully Characterisation Framework to underpin GBR Catchment Water Quality Management Led by: Assoc Prof Andrew Brooks, GU Project Summary In this project we will compile a database of gullies from across Queensland as a tool for communicating the diversity of gullies that exist in the landscape, but also the sommon elements from within this
- [Project 4.7](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/project-4-7/) - Indigenous Coral Reef Tourism Led by: Assoc Prof Henrietta Marrie, CQU Project Summary Despite the seemingly abundant opportunities, Indigenous Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef appear to show little interest in participating in the lucrative coral reef tourism industry. This project seeks to understand why this is so, canvass TO attitudes to the
- [Project 5.15](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-15/) - eAtlas extension: Data management for environmental research Led by: Dr Eric Lawrey, AIMS Project Summary The eAtlas is a web-based knowledge and data management system for environmental research data. Its systems ensure that data is discoverable, publicly accessible and preserved for the future. The eAtlas is the primary data repository for the NESP TWQ
- [Project 5.6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-6/) - Designing the Aesthetics Long Term Monitoring Program (ALTMP) Led by: Dr Matt Curnock, CSIRO Project Summary Aesthetic condition and trend of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are critical to monitor for the Reef 2050 Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program (RIMReP), and World Heritage Area reporting. The purpose of this proposed project is to design
- [What’s eating Crown-of-Thorns Starfish?](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/whats-eating-crown-of-thorns-starfish/) - Research spanning multiple fields and institutions is filling knowledge gaps on the factors affecting outbreaks of the coral-eating Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) on the Great Barrier Reef under a collaborative framework supported by the Tropical Water Quality Hub. Among other factors, the removal of natural predators of COTS is currently being studied as a possible cause
- [Conference Presentations - Round 3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/conference-presentations-round-3/)
- [July 2020](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2020/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Using the latest science in the fight against COTS • Helping Traditional Owners care for sea country • Guiding Sustainable port development on the GBR • TWQ develops crucial marker for measuring the health of the entire Great Barrier Reef • TWQ gully remediation research in
- [Torres Strait Indigenous rangers trained in salinity monitoring under TWQ Hub project](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/torres-strait-indigenous-rangers-trained-in-salinity-monitoring-under-twq-hub-project/) - Our eyes and ears in the north are checking up on the possible effects of one of the world’s biggest copper mines on the health of the Torres Strait and the Great Barrier Reef The Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Tropical Water Quality Hub has invested into research to determine the impact of
- [TWQ gully remediation research in high demand](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/twq-gully-remediation-research-in-high-demand/) - Everyone is searching for an effective way to protect the Great Barrier Reef from alluvial gully sediment – TWQ Hub’s involvement in a cutting-edge gully remediation project might hold the answers Erosion from alluvial gullies on rivers and creeks along the Queensland coast is a major point-source of fine sediment pollution to the Great Barrier
- [TWQ develops crucial marker for measuring the health of the entire Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/twq-develops-crucial-marker-for-measuring-the-health-of-the-entire-great-barrier-reef/) - Recommendations on monitoring Reef carbonate budget discussed under Reef 2050 Plan Conservation of biodiversity has historically been the focus of ecosystem-based management on the GBR, but it is increasingly recognised that some species may be more important than others in maintaining critical ecological functions on coral reefs. Recommendations for maintaining functioning of the Great Barrier
- [Guiding Sustainable port development on the GBR](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/guiding-sustainable-port-development-on-the-gbr/) - TWQ dredging impact surveys dredging research helps set environmental trigger levels at Port of Townsville expansion project Cutting-edge underwater monitoring technology has enabled NESP TWQ Hub researchers to develop models to help decision-makers assess the risk posed to inshore corals by port dredging. The project team, led by Dr Ross Jones at the Australian Institute
- [Helping Traditional Owners care for sea country](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/helping-traditional-owners-care-for-sea-country/) - GBR Traditional Owners empowered by TWQ Hub-supported workshop to begin projects on their country Effective techniques for restoration of coral reef systems is seen as increasingly important as health impacts continue to compound on the Great Barrier Reef and other reefs worldwide. Best Practice Coral Restoration for Great Barrier Reef aims to collate and evaluate
- [Using the latest science in the fight against COTS](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/using-the-latest-science-in-the-fight-against-cots/) - Cutting-edge research into ecological principles provide foundation for starfish control program A new adaptive approach to managing the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish has reduced their numbers on entire regions of the Great Barrier Reef sufficiently such that coral growth exceeds losses due to starfish predation. It’s a huge milestone for scientists and on-water teams behind the
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2020/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Australia’s response to the covid-19 pandemic, has led to the adoption of strict measures in a bid to supress and control its domestic spread, creating a number of significant flow on effects across the country. NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub projects have been both adapting to these new measures and ensuring work-to-date continues where safe
- [Conference Presentations - Round 5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/conference-presentations-round-5/)
- [Indigenous-led Management](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/indigenous-led-management/) - of Land & Sea Enabling Traditional Owners to care for their country Close collaboration between Traditional Owners and NESP TWQ science has resulted in better co-management of country and improved water quality. The NESP TWQ Hub recognises the importance of meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the sustainable cultural and environmental
- [Achieving Change in Farming Practices](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/achieving-change-in-farming-practices/) - Perceived conflicts between different kinds of land management can be resolved using science – as long as everyone trusts the data. Water quality management in Great Barrier Reef catchments has been a classic example. For decades there has been controversy about changes in farming practice to the point where landholders had begun to lose trust
- [Responding to Change: Back-to-Back Coral Bleaching](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/responding-to-change-back-to-back-coral-bleaching/) - Back-to-Back Coral Bleaching Pivoting to lead research into reef solutions In mid-2017, in response to unprecedented back-to-back coral bleaching events on the GBR, a series of end-user meetings and workshops identified an obvious and urgent need for targeted applied research into both bleaching recovery and potential opportunities for intervention. Because the NESP TWQ Hub had
- [Restoring Coastal Habitats](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/restoring-coastal-habitats/) - There is pressing need for effective restoration in many ecosystems, from rainforest to reef. However, restoration effort is generally uncoordinated, and there is little information about the short- or long-term effectiveness of such projects, or any ability to learn from successes and failures such that return-on-investment improves over time. In response, we undertook a values-based
- [Reducing Sediment Runoff to the Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/reducing-sediment-runoff-to-the-reef/) - A number of our research projects have successfully “closed the loop” in terms of developing and implementing practical solutions that are demonstrably reducing the amounts of sediment being delivered to the lagoon of the Great Barrier Reef. Although only a small portion of the fine sediment from catchments and waterways reaches coral reefs and seagrass
- [RRRC](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/contacts/rrrc/)
- [Research Priorities / Themes](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/research-priorities/) - The NESP TWQ Hub is committed to a body of activity that includes short and long-term research projects. Each activity year the Department of the Environment will work with the Minister, the Hubs and other key stakeholders to identify and refine research priorities and develop projects that align with these priorities. This research prioritisation is
- [Round 6 Projects](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-6-projects/) - Project 6.1 Innovations in COTS control on the GBR Dr Suzanne Long, RRRC Project 6.2 Restoring ecosystems from catchment to reef Dr Suzanne Long, RRRC Project 6.3 Reducing nitrogen runoff without reducing industry productivity Dr Johanna Johnson, RRRC Project 6.4 Reducing end-of-catchment fine sediment loads and ecosystem impacts Dr Johanna Johnson, RRRC Project 6.5 Improving
- [Project 6.8](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-6-projects/project-6-8/) - Integrated Environmental Assessment to inform Environmental decisions Led by: Prof Damien Burows, JCU / RRRC Project Summary This project is a cross-hub research collaboration that draws on the considerable experience, regional knowledge, data and networks in the NESP Hubs to explore the potential application, and benefits, of integrated environmental assessments (IEA), focusing on Northern
- [Project 6.7](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-6-projects/project-6-7/) - Learnings from applied environmental research programs: Elements for success Led by: Dr Suzanne Long, RRRC Project Summary The structure, governance and administration of large multidisciplinary applied environmental research hubs is critical to their ability to deliver new knowledge that funders and stakeholders need. While the MTSRF, NERP TE and NESP TWQ have differed in
- [NESP](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/contacts/nesp/)
- [Hub Steering Committee](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/nesp-twq/steering-committee/) - The NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub Steering Committee is made up of the following people or their representatives. Ms Leith Boully, Chair Prof Damien Burrows, Hub Leader Ms Sheriden Morris, Hub Host Mr Chris Boland, Queensland Ports Association Ms Beth Brunoro, Department of the Environment Ms Deb Callister, Department of the Environment Dr Bruce Eliot, Great Barrier
- [Hub Leadership & Governance](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/nesp-twq/governance/) - Hub governance will evolve from the NERP model to a more stakeholder engaged framework, with stronger cross-Hub interactions and enhanced linkages to key national initiatives such as Northern Australia Development, Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan, and the Indigenous Advancement Strategy. The NESP TWQ Hub is hosted by the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Ltd
- [Interim Reports - Round 2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/interim-reports-round-2/)
- [Factsheets - Round 2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/factsheets-round-2/)
- [Emerging contaminants on the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2016/emerging-contaminants-on-the-great-barrier-reef/) - The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait regions are increasingly exposed to new contaminants with little understanding of their potential impact or how to manage these threats. Currently GBR managers are dealing with known contaminants found in coastal run-off. However, a wide range of contaminants regularly end up in Queensland’s marine waters, with unknown effects.
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Delivering for stakeholders as TWQ Hub approaches synthesis year Australia is currently reeling from record-breaking temperatures and bushfires. Effects of the unprecedented back-to-back mass bleaching events in 2016 and 2017 continue to impact the Great Barrier Reef and its associated ecosystems. Now, more than ever, we must realise the importance of intervention and restoration of
- [Think climate change means less Irukandji jellyfish? Don’t count on it](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/think-climate-change-means-less-irukandji-jellyfish-dont-count-on-it/) - Climate change is unlikely to cause many problems for a group of sometimes lethal species of box jellyfish that frequents northern Australian waters, according to new research supported by the Tropical Water Quality Hub. Professor Kylie Pitt and her team at Griffith University investigated the effect of water conditions expected under both optimistic and
- [NESP TWQ Hub enables GBR Traditional Owners to learn reef leadership and restoration techniques](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/nesp-twq-hub-enables-gbr-traditional-owners-to-learn-reef-leadership-and-restoration-techniques/) - Traditional Owner (TO) groups operating on the Great Barrier Reef will be better equipped to care for their sea country after attending a reef restoration workshop on Orpheus Island (Goolboddi), north of Townsville. The National Environmental Science Program’s Tropical Water Quality Hub (NESP TWQ Hub) enabled seven representatives from Great Barrier Reef-operating TO organisations
- [Finding the value of constructed wetlands](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/finding-the-value-of-constructed-wetlands/) - A recent survey of constructed wetlands in Far North Queensland has shown the vital benefits they can provide to many native Australian avian and aquatic species. In the 1990s cane farmers were enabled by the Sugar Industry Infrastructure Package to build a series of constructed wetlands on the floodplains of the Tully River. Surveys
- [Working with Traditional Owners to ‘turn off’ gully erosion for improved Great Barrier Reef water quality](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/working-with-traditional-owners-to-turn-off-gully-erosion-for-improved-great-barrier-reef-water-quality/) - Gullies that start on the steep banks of rivers and cut into terraces or elevated floodplains (alluvial gullies) can carry huge amounts of sediment out to sea and are thus a major factor affecting the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef. Currently, there are no widely-accepted practices on how best to stabilise and
- [January 2020](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2020/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Working with Traditional Owners to ‘turn off’ gully erosion for improved Great Barrier Reef water quality • Finding the value of constructed wetlands • NESP TWQ Hub enables GBR Traditional Owners to learn reef leadership and restoration techniques • Think climate change means less Irukandji jellyfish?
- [Journal Articles - Round 1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/journal-articles/)
- [Project 1.10](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-1-10/) - Identification, impacts, and prioritization of emerging contaminants present in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait marine environments Led by: Dr Frederieke Kroon, AIMS Project Summary Increased human activities in the GBR and Torres Strait regions are expected to increase the sources and diversity of contaminants in their marine environments. Here, we will (i) determine
- [Technical Reports – Round 2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/technical-reports-round-2/)
- [Posters & Banners](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/posters-banners/)
- [Round 1 Projects](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/) - Project 1.1 Establishing the future NESP CoTS research framework including an ecologically-based approach to the management of CoTS at multiple scales Dr David Westcott, CSIRO Project 1.2 Developing an approach to evaluate the effectiveness of investments in riparian management in the GBR catchments Dr Rebecca Bartley, CSIRO Project 1.3 A validation of coral geochemical records to reconstruct
- [September 2019](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/september-2019/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Helping growers save money and water in the Burdekin • Intervention helps restore viability at popular Whitsundays reef • Gully symposium brings erosion brains trust to Southern Hemisphere for first time • New paper shows water quality plays a vital role in coral bleaching Recent
- [New paper shows water quality plays a vital role in coral bleaching](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/september-2019/new-paper-shows-water-quality-plays-a-vital-role-in-coral-bleaching/) - Controlling nutrient availability could be critical to increasing corals’ ability to resist and recover from bleaching, according to a new study produced as part of Project 3.3.1 under the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program Tropical Water Quality Hub. A synthesis of the literature by Luke Morris, a James Cook University PhD student working at
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/september-2019/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - It’s always a pleasure to hear about how our water quality research is actually delivering for our stakeholders in the real world. Sometimes this can happen in unusual ways that might not be generally associated with conventional reef science research programs. For example, in this issue of our newsletter we hear about how some cane
- [Gully symposium brings erosion brains trust to Southern Hemisphere for first time](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/september-2019/gully-symposium-brings-erosion-brains-trust-to-southern-hemisphere-for-first-time/) - Erosion from alluvial gullies is a major source of sediment impact onto the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Mitigating this erosion is therefore a key technique in improving water quality in Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems. In late July the world’s experts on erosion, including two research teams from the NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub, met in
- [Intervention helps restore viability at popular Whitsundays reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/september-2019/intervention-helps-restore-viability-at-popular-whitsundays-reef/) - The thriving inshore reefs at Manta Ray Bay in the Whitsunday Islands were one of the region’s most popular snorkelling sites until wave action from Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie virtually demolished them in March 2017, uprooting hundreds of tonnes of huge Porites boulder coral bommies and pushing them toward the beach into the intertidal zone.
- [Helping growers save money and water in the Burdekin](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/september-2019/helping-growers-save-money-and-water-in-the-burdekin/) - By applying the right amount of water, at the right time, in the right crop, to match that crop’s requirements, sugar growers can reduce their power bills, save water, and reduce runoff to the Great Barrier Reef. As part of a NESP TWQ Hub-funded effort to help growers make these decisions, Dr Yvette Everingham from JCU
- [Synthesis Reports](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/synthesis-reports/)
- [Project 3.13](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-13/) - eAtlas 2015 - NESP data management, Torres Strait NRM plan delivery platform and Torres Strait reef mapping Led by: Dr Eric Lawrey, AIMS Project Summary Activities of the eAtlas in 2015 (July-December) include: The eAtlas has approximately 50 datasets that were recently submitted for review that are awaiting preparation, publication and visualization. This project will
- [Project 3.7](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-7/) - Monitoring the effects of zoning on coral reefs and their associated fish communities in the GBR Marine Park Led by: Dr Hugh Sweatman, AIMS Project Summary This project describes the activities of the AIMS long-term program to monitor the effects of zoning on coral reef communities in the period July-October 2015. In that period there
- [Project 3.5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-5/) - Assessment of key dugong and turtle seagrass resources in the northern Torres Strait Led by: Dr Michael Rasheed, JCU Project Summary This project fills a critical information gap for dugong and turtle habitat management in the Torres Strait. It describes seagrasses in a recently identified data deficient region in northern Torres Strait that contains large
- [Project 3.4](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-4/) - Developing and refining biological indicators for seagrass condition assessments in an integrated monitoring program Led by: Dr Catherine Collier, JCU Project Summary Refinement of biological indicators for condition assessment is an immediate priority as highlighted in a recent review of the GBR Marine Monitoring Program (MMP). Seagrass carbohydrate content is an early-warning indicator of water
- [Project 2.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-2-1/) - Assessing the cumulative impacts of climatic disturbances on inshore GBR coral reefs, identifying key refuges and testing the viability of manipulative reef restoration Led by: Prof Geoff Jones, JCU Project Summary The Keppel Islands, southern GBR, suffered successive climatic disturbance events (coral bleaching, flood plumes) between 2006 and 2013. Long-term monitoring at 26 sites revealed
- [Project 1.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-1-2/) - Developing an approach to evaluate the effectiveness of investments in riparian management in the GBR catchments Led by: Dr Rebecca Bartley, CSIRO Project Summary The current tools used to estimate the contribution of bank erosion to the Great Barrier Reef (i.e. Source Catchments model), are based on empirical relationships using little or no data from
- [NESP](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/nesp/) - The National Environmental Science Program (NESP) is a long-term commitment to support environmental and climate research. The key objective of the NESP is to improve our understanding of Australia’s environment through collaborative research that delivers accessible results and informs decision making. The focus of NESP is on practical and applied research that informs on-ground action
- [Port development guided by seagrass light threshold research](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/june-2019/port-development-guided-by-seagrass-light-threshold-research/) - Research on the levels of light needed to sustain seagrass communities is being applied in infrastructure development in rapidly-growing coastal communities in Australia’s north. Seagrass meadows are a vital yet often overlooked component of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, providing food, shelter and breeding areas to many key species, in addition to acting as a
- [Jellyfish ‘early warning system’ to help avoid deadly stingers in FNQ](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/june-2019/jellyfish-early-warning-system-to-help-avoid-deadly-stingers-in-fnq/) - Stings from venomous jellyfish in tropical waters are highly painful and can be fatal. The ability to predict when higher concentrations of jellyfish – known as ‘smacks’ – might occur is an attractive prospect to scientists, surf lifesavers and tourism operators alike. NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub scientists have studied where and when swimmers
- [TWQ Hub research addressing critical information gaps for long-term Reef management plans](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/june-2019/twq-hub-research-addressing-critical-information-gaps-for-long-term-reef-management-plans/) - Innovative approaches to analyzing cumulative impact of sediment, nutrients, light, salinity and temperature on the health of the Great Barrier Reef’s ecosystems by the Tropical Water Quality Hub are providing key underpinning information for the Queensland Government’s management of the world-famous coral reef. Multiple journal papers published under a NESP TWQ Hub Project led by
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/june-2019/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - The National Environmental Science Program aims to assist decision-makers to understand, manage and conserve Australia’s environment by funding world-class biodiversity and climate science. With this overarching goal, the NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub provides innovative research for practical solutions to maintain and improve tropical water quality from catchment to reef. Now in our fourth year
- [June 2019](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/june-2019/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Indigenous and canegrowing businesses helped by NESP TWQ wetland evaluation research • Jellyfish ‘early warning system’ to help avoid deadly stingers in FNQ • Port development guided by seagrass light threshold research • TWQ Hub research addressing critical information gaps for long-term Reef management plans
- [Indigenous and canegrowing businesses helped by NESP TWQ wetland evaluation research](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/june-2019/indigenous-and-canegrowing-businesses-helped-by-nesp-twq-wetland-evaluation-research/) - In an effort to combat invasive plants in wetlands on their Country near Ingham, in 2012 Mungalla Aboriginal Corporation (owned by the Nywaigi Traditional Owners) removed an earthern bund wall that had been isolating 230 hectares from saline tidal water. The effectiveness of this action was evaluated years later by Dr Nathan Waltham from JCU
- [Round 4 Projects](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-4-projects/) - Theme 1: Direct Interventions in the Marine Environment Project 4.1 Crown-of-thorns starfish: surveillance and life history Dr David Westcott, CSIRO Project 4.2 Oceanographic drivers of bleaching in the GBR: from observations to prediction Craig Steinberg, AIMS Project 4.3 Best practice coral restoration for the Great Barrier Reef Dr Ian McLeod, JCU Project 4.4 The traits
- [Great Barrier Reef Restoration Symposium](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/events/gbr-restoration-symposium/) - 16th-19th July 2018 Pullman Reef Hotel Casino 35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia #RestoretheReef2018 Like many reefs around the world, the Great Barrier Reef is suffering from the combined effects of many threats and disturbances, including mass coral bleaching, pollution, storm damage, and outbreaks of pests like crown-of-thorns starfish, among others. While
- [Influencing Change for Reef Water Quality Improvement Science Forum](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/influencing-change-for-reef-water-quality/) - Program Presentations
- [Hub Science Advisory Committee](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/nesp-twq/science-committee/) - The NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub Science Advirsory Committee is made up of the following people: Prof Damien Burrows, Chair & Hub Leader Ms Leith Boully, Hub Chair Ms Sheriden Morris, Hub Host Ass. Prof Eva Abal, The University of Queensland Prof Michele Burford, Griffith University Prof Helene Marsh, James Cook University Dr Christian Roth, CSIRO Dr
- [Innovative Nitrogen Use in Sugarcane Forum](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/events/innovative-nitrogen-forum/) - 7th-8th November 2018 Pullman Reef Hotel Casino 35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia #InnovativeNCane The Innovative Nitrogen Use in Sugarcane Forum was about highlighting the work and research done on nitrogen which has a focus on sugarcane productivity, profitability and reef water quality. The aim was to provide insightful discussion based on
- [January 2019](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2019/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Collaborating for research on coral bleaching • Summer rains deliver vital ‘first flush’ water quality monitoring data in GBR sugarcane catchments • Successful forum gets scientists and farmers talking about future of Reef water quality • Restoration projects to rebuild reefs and change minds • Weeding
- [Collaborating for research on coral bleaching](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2019/collaborating-for-research-on-coral-bleaching/) - A collaborative research project between the Tropical Water Quality Hub, AIMS, GBR Legacy and Cape York traditional owners is providing new insights into how and why corals survive bleaching conditions, opening up new avenues for coral resilience and restoration efforts on a warming Great Barrier Reef. A Tropical Water Quality Hub research project led by
- [Summer rains deliver vital ‘first flush’ water quality monitoring data in GBR sugarcane catchments](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2019/summer-rains-deliver-vital-first-flush-water-quality-monitoring-data-in-gbr-sugarcane-catchments/) - The arrival of the Far North Queensland summer rains brought much-needed relief to a region being scorched by a month-long heatwave, and also provided vital data to the Tropical Water Quality Hub’s flagship project. Accurately determining the source of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, sediment and other pollutants is key to implementing management actions to reduce them
- [Successful forum gets scientists and farmers talking about future of Reef water quality](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2019/successful-forum-gets-scientists-and-farmers-talking-about-future-of-reef-water-quality/) - The 2018 Innovative Nitrogen Use in Sugarcane Forum held in Cairns in November was a major success with 130 attendees taking part in collaborative discussion on the subject of nitrogen runoff in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. The forum featured presentations from several key Tropical Water Quality Hub presentations including Project 25 (promoting behavioural change
- [Weeding the garden: Removing macroalgae from coral reefs](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2019/weeding-the-garden-removing-macroalgae-from-coral-reefs/) - Tropical Water Quality Hub research evaluating the removal of macroalgae from coral as a reef restoration technique has been published in Restoration Ecology. A TWQ Hub project led by Dr Ian McLeod at James Cook University, examines different coral restoration strategies from around the world in a Great Barrier Reef context. Corals face fierce competition
- [Restoration projects to rebuild reefs and change minds](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2019/restoration-projects-to-rebuild-reefs-and-change-minds/) - TWQ Hub is working with reef restoration researchers and educators Reef Ecologic and reef tour provider Quicksilver to evaluate the effectiveness of a number of novel coral restoration methods from Port Douglas to the Whitsundays. For example, at Agincourt Reef, a major tourism dive site off Cairns, several steel frames have been fitted with coral
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/january-2019/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - The Australian summer has arrived and with it a host of potential impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. Besides planning for holidays and spending time with family and friends, those involved with the Great Barrier Reef are also keeping a close eye on the weather forecasts, the risk of El Nino conditions, cyclones and the
- [Final Reports - Round 1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/final-reports-round-1/)
- [Factsheets - Round 3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/factsheets-round-3/)
- [Bioavailability of Nutrients Workshop](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/bioavailability-of-nutrients-workshop/)
- [Theme 1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/research-priorities/theme-1/) - Improved understanding of the impacts, including cumulative impacts, and pressures on priority freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and species Research priorities: Further development of a systematic approach to Crown of Thorns control. Identify and trial risk abatement, and prioritisation strategies in response to Crown of Thorns outbreaks, extreme events and biosecurity threats. Develop and
- [Enhanced efficiency: New fertilizers to reduce nitrogen use](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2018/enhanced-efficiency-new-fertilizers-to-reduce-nitrogen-use/) - Scientists are trialling new fertilizers in far North Queensland that could reduce levels of run-off containing high levels of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), a key Great Barrier Reef water pollutant. Prof Mike Bell from the University of Queensland is leading a NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub project that explores the potential of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers
- [October 2018](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2018/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Everyone in the same room: Growers and scientists tackling nitrogen runoff together • Repairing the Great Barrier Reef’s wetlands: homes for so many aquatic flora and fauna • Plugging the gaps: Finding colloidally-suspended nitrogen in Reef catchment runoff • Enhanced efficiency: New fertilizers to reduce nitrogen use
- [What if sugarcane growers could reduce nitrogen fertiliser applications and reduce the risk to their farm business?](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2018/what-if-sugarcane-growers-could-reduce-nitrogen-fertiliser-applications-and-reduce-the-risk-to-their-farm-business/) - This is the aim of a NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub project that brings together researchers from CSIRO, James Cook and Central Queensland Universities. The team are working with insurance companies and cane growers to determine whether the risk of reduced yield following a change in management practice – such as reducing nitrogen – can
- [Repairing the Great Barrier Reef’s wetlands:  homes for so many aquatic flora and fauna](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2018/repairing-the-great-barrier-reefs-wetlands-homes-for-so-many-aquatic-flora-and-fauna/) - Coastal wetlands are a very important and often overlooked component of the Great Barrier Reef group of ecosystems. They act as natural filters for water, reducing erosion and nutrient run off, in addition to providing safe havens to numerous species of key reef fish and bird species during juvenile and adult life stages. A large
- [Plugging the gaps: Finding colloidally-suspended nitrogen in Reef catchment runoff](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2018/plugging-the-gaps-finding-colloidally-suspended-nitrogen-in-reef-catchment-runoff/) - Nitrogen is a major component of the fertilisers that are added to crops such as sugarcane and bananas, which are the primary crop types grown in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. It can also be delivered from soil erosion, which is dominated by grazing lands. Understanding all of the sources of nitrogen is important for
- [Everyone in the same room: Growers and scientists tackling nitrogen runoff together](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2018/everyone-in-the-same-room-growers-and-scientists-tackling-nitrogen-runoff-together/) - Cane growers and scientists will gather in Cairns in November to discuss new ideas for reducing nitrogen runoff into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The ‘Innovative Nitrogen Use in Sugarcane’ Forum will provide a space for growers, scientists and industry to discuss the role nitrogen plays in both the sugar cane enterprise and
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2018/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Nitrogen pollution is a complex problem, and finding a solution has never been more important. Nitrogen – particularly dissolved inorganic nitrogen derived from coastal runoff – is a major water quality pollutant on the Great Barrier Reef. Decades of research and on-ground effort by many organisations and institutions have successfully closed many gaps in our
- [Book Chapters](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/book-chapters/)
- [Magazine Articles](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/magazine-articles/)
- [Physical drivers determining variability in severity of coral bleaching](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2018/physical-drivers-determining-variability-in-severity-of-coral-bleaching/) - Why did some parts of the Great Barrier Reef resist the mass bleaching events in 2016 and 2017? This is one of the most important questions to be addressed at the Great Barrier Reef Restoration Symposium. Craig Steinberg and his team at AIMS have been working on a NESP TWQ Hub Project to gather and
- [July 2018](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2018/) - Great Barrier Reef Restoration Symposium special issue #RestoretheReef2018 • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Looking after sea country: Traditional Owners at the forefront of reef restoration • Physical drivers determining variability in severity of coral bleaching • Workshop: Coral tipping, bommie rolling and fragments of opportunity • Guiding resilience-based management of
- [Workshop: Coral tipping, bommie rolling and fragments of opportunity](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2018/workshop-coral-tipping-bommie-rolling-and-fragments-of-opportunity/) - Reef restoration is one of the Tropical Water Quality Hub’s primary areas of interest in our most recent research plan. Dr Ian McLeod at James Cook University’s TropWATER heads up a TWQ Hub review of coral restoration techniques across the world and will run a special Symposium workshop on emergency response and coral triage after
- [Special sessions on crown-of-thorns starfish control](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2018/special-sessions-on-crown-of-thorns-starfish-control/) - The Great Barrier Reef Restoration Symposium will feature what is believed to be the world’s first multidisciplinary scientific sessions dedicated to control of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS). Importantly, the sessions will include presentations from researchers, managers and on-water operations staff, including the tourism industry. Sheriden Morris of the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC) said that
- [Guiding resilience-based management of the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2018/guiding-resilience-based-management-of-the-great-barrier-reef/) - One of the chief challenges in protecting the Great Barrier Reef is its sheer, mind-boggling size. At 348,700 square kilometres, it places in between Italy and Japan for area. The available resources to protect (and restore) this massive system have to be directed to where they are most needed in order to have the best
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2018/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - I’m pleased to report that there has been enormous interest in helping us help the Reef. The latest version of the jam-packed program for our Great Barrier Reef Restoration Symposium, to be held in Cairns from 16th-19th July 2018, features 114 speakers bringing ideas from all over the world and from many different areas of
- [Looking after sea country: Traditional Owners at the forefront of reef restoration](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2018/looking-after-sea-country-traditional-owners-at-the-forefront-of-reef-restoration/) - Indigenous Traditional Owners (TO) have been managing the Great Barrier Reef for thousands of years. The perspectives of TOs are critical to the current and future management of the Great Barrier Reef, especially in the restoration space. Duane Fraser, a Wulgurukaba man from Magnetic Island off Townsville, sits on the NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub’s
- [NESP TWQ Hub](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/nesp-twq/) - The NESP assists decision-makers to understand, manage and conserve Australia’s environment by funding world-class biodiversity and climate science. The NESP Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub researches water quality and coastal management focused on the Great Barrier Reef and other tropical waters with funding of $31.8m. The NESP TWQ Hub provides innovative research for practical solutions
- [The other pieces of the puzzle: Considering the connections between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and its neighbours](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/the-other-pieces-of-the-puzzle-considering-the-connections-between-the-great-barrier-reef-marine-park-and-its-neighbours/) - The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park doesn’t exist in a vacuum. There are multiple connections between it and surrounding areas including the Coral Sea, the Torres Strait and Great Sandy Strait. These connections include the movement of water, species and energy, and can have major effects across jurisdictions. They need to be understood and considered
- [May 2018](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2018/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Can we fix it? Scientists, experts to gather in Cairns for Reef Restoration Symposium • The big wet: Tracking flood plumes from rain events • Hide and seek: Tracking Crown of Thorns Starfish with eDNA technology • How the locals like it: Traditional Owner tourism on
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2018/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Here at the NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub we’re all about research that delivers real-world solutions to problems affecting the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and its catchments. That’s why we’re co-hosting the inaugural GBR Restoration Symposium in Cairns on 16-19th July 2018. Like many reefs around the world, the Great Barrier Reef is suffering from
- [How the locals like it: Traditional Owner tourism on the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2018/how-the-locals-like-it-traditional-owner-tourism-on-the-great-barrier-reef/) - Traditional Owners (TOs) of Great Barrier Reef have only limited participation in the $6 billion reef tourism industry, despite being well-positioned to take advantage of their connection to country and experience. Prof Henrietta Marie and her team from CQ University aim to discover why this situation persists and develop pathways for TOs to get involved
- [The big wet: Tracking flood plumes from rain events](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2018/the-big-wet-tracking-flood-plumes-from-rain-events/) - High water levels in northern Queensland’s Wet Tropics region are subsiding after high rainfall in mid-March but the flood event may still have major impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. Floodwaters send massive amounts of water laden with sediment from the north Queensland coastal plain out to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, where it can
- [Can we fix it? Scientists, experts to gather in Cairns for Reef Restoration Symposium](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2018/can-we-fix-it-scientists-experts-to-gather-in-cairns-for-reef-restoration-symposium/) - The health of the Great Barrier Reef and other reefs around the world are suffering from the combined effects of back-to-back coral bleaching, pollution, storm damage, outbreaks of pests like Crown-of-Thorns Starfish and many other threats. As these pressures continue to increase, so does the need for intervention strategies to actively repair damage to reef
- [Hide and seek: Tracking Crown of Thorns Starfish with eDNA technology](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2018/hide-and-seek-tracking-crown-of-thorns-starfish-with-edna-technology/) - Exciting genetic detection technology under development by the National Environmental Science Program (NESP)’s Tropical Water Quality Hub is one of several ways in which NESP is using novel scientific techniques and developing new strategies for controlling outbreaks of Crown of Thorns Starfish. Outbreaks of the coral-eating Crown of Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster spp) are one of
- [Project 3.11](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-11/) - Monitoring and adaptively reducing system-wide governance risks facing the GBR Led by: Prof Allan Dale, JCU Project Summary Australian governments have addressed water quality issues in the Great Barrier Reef (Reef) over the last decade. While much has improved, more is needed. Reef environmental outcomes, however, depend on the interplay among diverse/fragmented governance “activities” (e.g.
- [Project 3.6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-6/) - Establishing a research framework for future NESP investment into better understanding of the presence of Box-Jellyfishes (Irukandji) and risks in the Great Barrier Reef Led by: Prof Mike Kingsford, JCU Project Summary This project intends to conduct a workshop with key researchers and stakeholders to establish the future research framework for NESP investment into better
- [Round 2 Projects](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-2-projects/) - Project 2.1.1 Integrated Pest Management of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Dr David Westcott, CSIRO Project 2.1.2 Scoping options for low-lying, marginal cane land to reduce DIN in priority wet tropics catchments Dr Nathan Waltham, JCU Project 2.1.3 Harnessing the science of social marketing and behaviour change for improved water quality in the GBR: an action research project Prof Lynne Eagle, JCU Project 2.1.4 Demonstration and evaluation of gully remediation on downstream water quality and agricultural production in GBR rangelands
- [Round 3 Projects](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-3-projects/) - Project 3.1.1 Implementation of the Crown of Thorns research strategy: regional strategies Dr David Westcott, CSIRO Project 3.1.2 Improving water quality for the Great Barrier Reef and wetlands by better managing irrigation in the sugarcane farming system Assoc Prof Yvette Everingham, JCU Steve Attard, AgriTech Solutions Project 3.1.3 Harnessing the science of social marketing in
- [Research Plan v4 approved](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/february-2018/research-plan-v4-approved/) - The Hub’s longstanding focus on applied science projects supporting Reef resilience has come into even sharper focus with the recent planning and approval of 13 new projects. The project leaders and their teams – from a diverse range of our partner research institutions – are already getting to work on the Reef, in labs and
- [Science Day](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/science-day/) - Some of TWQ Hub’s most exciting projects were showcased to a wide and diverse audience of over 90 scientists and stakeholders in Townsville in late November 2017. Videos recordings of presentations from several TWQ Hub project leaders have been uploaded to YouTube and are available on the NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub website: Introduction
- [February 2018](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/february-2018/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Research Plan v4 approved • Boots on the ground: Active engineering and stakeholder engagement for improved water quality in cane-growing GBR catchments • Putting reefs back together: Evaluating coral restoration • Science Day
- [Boots on the ground: Active engineering and stakeholder engagement for improved water quality in cane-growing GBR catchments](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/february-2018/boots-on-the-ground-active-engineering-and-stakeholder-engagement-for-improved-water-quality-in-cane-growing-gbr-catchments/) - A focus on boots-on-the-ground TWQ Hub work and engineering for improved water quality in Great Barrier Reef catchments in northern Queensland has proven popular and successful as 2017 draws to a close. The NESP TWQ Hub’s flagship combined water quality and behavioral change project, Project 25, has been highly successful in engaging with cane farmers
- [Putting reefs back together: Evaluating coral restoration](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/february-2018/putting-reefs-back-together-evaluating-coral-restoration/) - As the Great Barrier Reef continues to suffer both global and acute health pressures, focus continues to increase on management interventions – should we, and if so how? Common among interventions is the direct restoration of corals, but which of the many varying techniques for coral restoration will be most effective, and how can we
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/february-2018/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Welcome to the third International Year of the Reef (#IYOR2018). It is no exaggeration to say that the eyes of the world are turned not just to the Great Barrier Reef but also to Australia’s scientific community and its contribution to management of this World Heritage asset. As the global effort to limit greenhouse gas
- [Project 1.1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-1-1/) - Establishing the future NESP CoTS research framework including an ecologically-based approach to the management of CoTS at multiple scales Led by: Dr David Westcott, CSIRO Project Summary This project will lay the foundations for the development of a reliable CoTS surveillance and control program based on detailed understanding of i) CoTS ecology, population dynamics and
- [October 2017](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2017/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Eureka! TWQ erosion research takes out national science prize • Millions of citizen scientists: Big Data on the Great Barrier Reef • Superstars: TWQ COTS research on Crown of Thorns Starfish increases control efficacy • ‘Electrifying’ methods of evaluating wetland rehabilitation • Signs of recovery on
- [Signs of recovery on bleached coral reefs](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2017/signs-of-recovery-on-bleached-coral-reefs/) - A team of researchers on a NESP TWQ Hub-funded project have just returned from investigating signs of recovery on 14 reefs between Townsville and Cairns in the wake of the severe mass bleaching event in March this year. The aim of these surveys, carried out by researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, is
- [Coral Restoration Symposium brings talent from all over the world](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2017/coral-restoration-symposium-brings-talent-from-all-over-the-world/) - In support of our catchment and marine habitat restoration activities, and to show leadership in sharing ideas around such, in partnership with the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub, NESP TWQ recently held a two-day Coastal Restoration Symposium in Townsville. This was an invitation event, with 60 people specifically chosen to represent a diversity of habitats from
- [‘Electrifying’ methods of evaluating wetland rehabilitation](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2017/electrifying-methods-of-evaluating-wetland-rehabilitation/) - Research under the Tropical Water Quality Hub in the Burdekin Region is gaining state-level media coverage. Dr Nathan Waltham from JCU heads up a project evaluating the effectiveness of efforts to repair wetland systems across the Wet Tropics. An article titled ‘Fish control to monitor effectiveness of weed control at Sheepstation Creek’ published on the
- [Millions of citizen scientists: Big Data on the Great Barrier Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2017/millions-of-citizen-scientists-big-data-on-the-great-barrier-reef/) - A cutting-edge Tropical Water Quality Hub ‘Big Data’ project has developed new ways of integrating and analysing large amounts of information from social media and other sources to give new insights into the tourist public’s perception of the Great Barrier Reef. Dr Susanne Becken from Griffith University and her Tropical Water Quality Hub project team
- [Eureka! TWQ erosion research takes out national science prize](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2017/eureka-twq-erosion-research-takes-out-national-science-prize/) - One of Australia’s top science prizes has been awarded to a Tropical Water Quality Hub project team uncovering a previously under-appreciated source of negative impacts on the Great Barrier Reef and how to deal with them. Assoc Prof. Andrew Brooks from Griffith University heads up a TWQ team that is examining the role played by alluvial gully
- [Superstars: TWQ COTS research on Crown of Thorns Starfish increases control efficacy](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2017/superstars-twq-cots-research-on-crown-of-thorns-starfish-increases-control-efficacy/) - Tropical Water Quality Hub research on managing outbreaks of Crown of Thorns Starfish is already being cited by non-Hub researchers in a timely overview of the causes behind outbreaks of the coral-eating species on the Great Barrier Reef. Crown of Thorns Starfish are a major focus for the Tropical Water Quality Hub with no less
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/october-2017/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - As I wrote of in the last TWQ newsletter, there has been a shift in thinking about Great Barrier Reef (GBR) management with a notable increase in acceptance of the need for more direct interventions such as species and habitat restoration. In the GBR, this has been ensured by the advent of recurring bleaching and
- [The other pieces of the puzzle](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2017/the-other-pieces-of-the-puzzle/) - Defining the values and connectivity of marine areas in northeast Australia The Great Barrier Reef is connected to surrounding ecological systems that collectively make up the northeast Australia marine area, including the Torres Strait, the Coral Sea and the Great Sandy Marine Park at Hervey Bay. The close links between these systems mean that actions
- [‘Selling the science’ to Great Barrier Reef farmers](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2017/selling-the-science-to-great-barrier-reef-farmers/) - The ongoing effort to promote best management practice to sugarcane farmers in the Great Barrier Reef catchment Working with sugar cane farmers and other agricultural landholders in Great Barrier Reef catchments is critical to improving the quality of water flowing out to the GBR. Persuading ‘un-engaged’ farmers to update their practices is a key objective
- [Mangrove workshop unites research, management, traditional owners](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2017/mangrove-workshop-unites-research-management-traditional-owners/) - Working together to protect the Great Barrier Reef’s ‘water purifying system’ The role and importance of Indigenous knowledge and expertise has been highlighted at a review workshop for a Tropical Water Quality Hub project on mangrove health monitoring and management in the southern GBR. Dr Norm Duke from JCU leads Project 2.3.4, which includes the
- [TWQ Hub well-positioned to deliver what stakeholders need after Reef Summit](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2017/twq-hub-well-positioned-to-deliver-what-stakeholders-need-after-reef-summit/) - Interest in direct Reef health intervention grows, confidence in Reef remains high The NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub is well-positioned to deliver towards the goals agreed during the Managing for Resilience Reef Summit in Townsville in May, in which more than 70 leading coral reef experts from around the world converged to discuss issues facing
- [Next TWQ research round to focus on climate change impact mitigation, adaptation](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2017/next-twq-research-round-to-focus-on-climate-change-impact-mitigation-adaptation/) - Time for direct intervention on the Reef as Round 4 approaches Research underpinning active interventions that will help the will be a focus of TWQ’s next call for research proposals in July. This will be in addition to maintaining commitment to the Hub’s ongoing efforts to monitor and improve GBR water quality. Hub leader Damien
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2017/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Welcome to Issue 12 of View on TWQ, the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Programme (NESP) Tropical Water Quality Hub (TWQ)’s quarterly newsletter. This year has been sobering for those involved in management of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Severe coral bleaching has occurred on the GBR for the second year in a row. In
- [July 2017](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/july-2017/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Next TWQ research round to focus on climate change impact mitigation, adaptation • TWQ Hub well-positioned to deliver what stakeholders need after Reef Summit • Mangrove workshop unites research, management, traditional owners • ‘Selling the science’ to Great Barrier Reef farmers • The other pieces of
- [Project 3.12](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-12/) - Development of an offset financial contribution calculator for Reef Trust Led by: Assoc Prof Martine Maron, UQ Project Summary This project will progress an approach for incorporating environmental offsets into the Reef Trust through development of a prototype calculator to assist potential approval holders and relevant agencies in determining appropriate financial payments as offsets under
- [Project 3.10](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-10/) - Benchmarking costs of NRM improvements for the GBR Led by: Prof John Rolfe, CQU Project Summary This project aims to provide information on cost benchmarks for key management actions to improve water quality into the GBR. The project involves a review and evaluation of summary data about NRM projects that have been funded recently to
- [Project 3.9](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-9/) - Indigenous capacity building and increased participation in management of Queensland sea country Led by: Melissa George, CSIRO / NAILSMA & Ro Hill, CSIRO Project Summary This project intends to facilitate targeted consultations with key individuals and institutions (i.e. Torres Strait Regional Authority, GBR TO’s and Land Councils, etc.) to seek feedback on the implementation of
- [Project 3.8](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-8/) - Towards an integrated monitoring program: identifying indicators and existing monitoring programs to cost-effectively evaluate the Long Term Sustainability Plan Led by: Dr Prue Addison, AIMS Project Summary This project addresses a series of critical initial steps required to develop a cost-effective integrated monitoring program. First, environmental, social and economic elements and indicators will be identified that
- [Project 3.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-3-3/) - Light thresholds for seagrasses of the GBR: a synthesis and guiding document for managing seagrass Led by: Dr Catherine Collier, JCU Project Summary Light levels (i.e. water quality/turbidity) can be managed to minimise seagrass losses. Recent attempts to define threshold levels of light required to maintain GBR seagrass state has resulted in a spectrum of
- [Project 2.2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-2-2/) - A tradable permit scheme for cost effective reduction of nitrogen runoff in the sugarcane catchments of the Great Barrier Reef Led by: Dr Jim Smart, GU Project Summary This project will undertake a scoping study to design a pilot nitrogen trading scheme for key cane growing catchments draining into the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon. The
- [Project 1.9](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-1-9/) - The establishment of a future NESP dredging research investment framework Led by: Dr Britta Schaffelke, AIMS Project Summary The project will conduct an inclusive facilitated workshop with key researchers and stakeholders to identify the future knowledge needs for improved management of dredging activities in the GBR. Building upon the recent dredging synthesis and other resources,
- [Project 1.8](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-1-8/) - Sub-catchment scale monitoring, modelling and extension design to support reef water quality improvement Led by: Dr Aaron Davis, JCU Project Summary Design of a pilot sub-catchment scale monitoring, modelling and extension program, based on end-user workshop, existing risk assessments, monitoring and modelling programs, for subsequent implementation with farmer’s support to identify reef pollutant “spikes/hotspots”, their
- [Project 1.7](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-1-7/) - Reducing sediment sources to the Reef: testing the effectiveness of managing alluvial gully erosion Led by: Dr Andrew Brooks, GU Project Summary Alluvial gully erosion contributes 20-40% of fine sediment from the three largest sediment contributing catchments to the GBR, yet there has been limited effort to manage this major sediment source. Cost effective reduction
- [Project 1.6](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-1-6/) - Multiple and cumulative impacts on the GBR: assessment of current status and development of improved approaches for management Led by: Dr Sven Uthicke, AIMS Project Summary This project will synthesize experimental and field data from NERP, MTSRF and other work for key coral reef organisms and processes to produce a quantitative approach or how multiple
- [Project 1.5](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-1-5/) - Legacy of the Lower Burdekin Water Quality Tender Led by: Prof Romy Greiner, JCU Project Summary This project conducts an ex-post evaluation of a water quality tender (auction) project. In 2007-08, a water quality pilot tender was trialled in the Lower Burdekin River area, funded by the Australian Government through the National Market Based Instruments
- [Project 1.3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-1-projects/project-1-3/) - A validation of coral geochemical records to reconstruct suspended sediment loads to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon Led by: Dr Stephen Lewis, JCU Project Summary While coral geochemistry records are widely cited as evidence for increased suspended sediment loads delivered to the Great Barrier Reef since the 1850s, there has been little replication or quantification
- [Communique Reports](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/communique-reports/)
- [Factsheets - Round 1](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/factsheets/)
- [Brochures](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/brochures/)
- [Cluster Map](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/cluster-map/) - Click on a marker for project name and number Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out.
- [Project 3.3.3 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-3-3-mapping/) - The project is a desktop study and will be office-based conducted in Townsville and Cairns. The project outputs will be relevant to marine protected area activities in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (managed by GBRMPA in Townsville in conjunction with relevant Queensland agencies), Torres Strait region (managed by TSRA from Thursday Island
- [Round 3 Project Maps](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/) - Click on a header to go to project page Click on a marker for larger map Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out.
- [No Access](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/no-access/) - [dlm_no_access]
- [March 2017](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/march-2017/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • On the ground working with Stakeholders • Keeping an eye on the Big Wet’s runoff • Tropical Water Quality Research Plan 3 Approved • New Hub Project Leaders Introduced to Strong Engagement Framework • TWQ Research Published in Nature Scientific Reports • Thermal Tolerance and Coral
- [Thermal Tolerance and Coral Bleaching](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/march-2017/thermal-tolerance-and-coral-bleaching/) - The role of water quality in preventing coral death In the wake of the worst Great Barrier Reef bleaching event in history (and possibly on the eve of a similarly severe event), research into factors that affect bleaching is more important than ever. Dr Line Bay at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is
- [TWQ Research Published in Nature Scientific Reports](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/march-2017/twq-research-published-in-nature-scientific-reports/) - Hub funding contributes to world-class study New research from the Tropical Water Quality Hub on the effects of suspended sediments – such as those generated by natural processes, dredging or coastal runoff - on coral reproduction and recruitment has recently been published in the prestigious international journal Nature Scientific Reports. TWQ funding through Projects 3.1.5
- [New Hub Project Leaders Introduced to Strong Engagement Framework](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/march-2017/new-hub-project-leaders-introduced-to-strong-engagement-framework/) - Co-ordination and co-operation for optimized research outcomes The latest meeting of the Tropical Water Quality Hub project leaders in Townsville on February 27 gave the newest cohort of project leaders an introduction into the Hub’s robust stakeholder engagement framework. A presentation by CEO of the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO) Mr Col McKenzie
- [Tropical Water Quality Research Plan 3 Approved](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/march-2017/tropical-water-quality-research-plan-3-approved/) - Round 3 in the fight for better water quality The Tropical Water Quality Hub’s Research Plan 3 has been approved and features a wide range of projects aimed at better understanding and improving water quality in Australia’s tropical regions, particularly the Great Barrier Reef. TWQ RP3 includes new projects on the regional implementation of the
- [Keeping an eye on the Big Wet’s runoff](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/march-2017/keeping-an-eye-on-the-big-wets-runoff/) - Far North Queensland’s wet season providing prime data for TWQ monitoring projects Every wet season, major rainfalls in Far North Queensland turn the Barron River and other major watercourses a bright shade of ochre as they pick up mud and silt on their way to the ocean – but this year, scientists and farmers are
- [On the ground working with Stakeholders](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/march-2017/on-the-ground-working-with-stakeholders/) - Immediate benefits to end-users from Tropical Water Quality Hub investments in one of Australia’s premier sugarcane and tourism regions Industries and businesses of many kinds in the Burdekin and Mackay-Whitsunday region are benefiting from the Australian Government’s investment in the National Environmental Science Programme’s Tropical Water Quality Hub (NESP TWQ). Many NESP TWQ projects are
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/march-2017/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Welcome to Issue 11 of the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Programme (NESP), Tropical Water Quality Hub newsletter. A key feature of the NESP, and one which is heartily embraced by the Tropical Water Quality Hub, is working proactively in close partnership with industry, community and government stakeholders to achieve outcomes that will actually be
- [Project 3.3.2 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-3-2-mapping/) - Wet tropics 1) Mungalla/Palm Creek/Mandam wetland extension to coast wetlands (Ingham) – Mungalla Aboriginal Business Corporation and Greening Australia Reef Aid priority site; 2) Babinda Swamp Constructed Wetland – Jaragun Natural Resources Management Dry tropics 1) Burdekin floodplain delta - Lilliesmere and Kalimina creek and bifurcation channels – NQDT priority repair site (including irrigation
- [Project 3.3.1 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-3-1-mapping/) - This research will be based at AIMS in Townsville and will focus on coral reefs in the Central region of the Great Barrier Reef. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it
- [Project 3.2.5 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-2-5-mapping/) - This is a desktop and laboratory based project. The research teams are based at two key locations in Townsville (AIMS, JCU and GBRMPA) and in Hobart (CSIRO). Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area
- [Project 3.2.4 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-2-4-mapping/) - On Ground Work: Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Gladstone, Rockhampton Location of where outputs will impact: The World Heritage Area in general, and specifically the place where new projects and developments are proposed. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a
- [Project 3.2.3 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-2-3-mapping/) - The research will largely be undertaken at the eye-tracking laboratory of the Griffith Institute for Tourism and Griffith’s Big Data Lab, and the outputs will be relevant for all areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking
- [Project 3.2.2 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-2-2-mapping/) - On-ground work will occur in Cairns (including Cape York interests), Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg and will be consolidated across the GBR region. Outputs will impact upon the whole GBR and on the wider global community interested in ensuring the integration of human dimensions and systemic governance reform for Reef management. Markers are
- [Project 3.2.1 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-2-1-mapping/) - This project will establish a framework for assessing seagrass desired state and ERTs for the whole of the GBR. Targets for the Burdekin Basin will be defined using a case study of Cleveland Bay. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used
- [Project 3.1.8 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-1-8-mapping/) - Wet tropics sugar cane growing areas. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out. Back to Project 3.1.8 homepage Back to Round 3 Project Maps
- [Project 3.1.7 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-1-7-mapping/) - The exact location of the trial site will be decided in collaboration with the delivery partners of projects undertaken through the various funded programs. However, they will be in one of the sub-catchments prioritised under the Reef Trust phase 4 program and/or the Qld OGBR MIPs focal area. Markers are not an exact
- [Project 3.1.6 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-1-6-mapping/) - Research findings will be applicable to frameworks for trading in nitrogen and sediment credits across all Reef catchments. Frameworks will be developed initially for trading nitrogen credits in the Wet Tropics, and subsequently for trading sediment credits in the Burdekin. Interviews will be conducted with key potential credit buyers identified from public register information
- [Project 3.1.5 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-1-5-mapping/) - Experimental laboratory analyses on tropical marine species will be conducted in the AIMS’ National Sea Simulator and the purpose built ecotoxicology facility at AIMS Darwin. Experimental laboratory analyses on tropical freshwater species will be conducted at JCU Townsville. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are
- [Project 3.1.4 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-1-4-mapping/) - It is proposed that the research be carried out in one Wet Tropics catchment (most likely the Tully or Johnstone, so as to align with the Wet Tropics MIP) and one dry tropics catchment (Cape, Upper Burdekin, or Bowen to align with the Burdekin Dry Tropics MIP). The choice of sites will be based
- [Project 3.1.3 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-1-3-mapping/) - Eastern Queensland from GBR catchments down to Brisbane. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out. Back to Project 3.1.3 homepage Back to Round 3 Project
- [Project 3.1.2 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-1-2-mapping/) - Three Burdekin sugarcane farmers have been identified as project collaborators. Their farms, situated in different locations (Delta, BHWSS-Channel user, BHWSS-Riparian user) across the Burdekin district, represent the diversity of sugarcane farming systems (soils, agronomy practices, water sourches, irrigation systems) found across the region. Markers are not an exact position of where the research
- [Project 3.1.1 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-3-project-maps/project-3-1-1-mapping/) - Reefs primarily between Lizard Island and the Whitsundays. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out. Back to Project 3.1.1 homepage Back to Round 3 Project
- [Project 2.3.4 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-3-4-mapping/) - Survey of shorelines of major estuaries from the Burrum River in the south (BMRG NRM region), including the Elliott, Burnett, Kolan, Baffle, Boyne, Calliope to the Fitzroy River in the north (FBA NRM region). Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used
- [Project 2.3.3 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-3-3-mapping/) - The fieldwork focus of the project is the country of the Kanttju people in the Coen region, who are signatories to the Pul Pul TUMRA for the Cape Sidmouth area of the northern GBR. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used
- [Project 2.3.2 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-3-2-mapping/) - Great Barrier Reef and Townsville working with GBRMPA. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out. Back to Project 2.3.2 homepage Back to Round 2 Project
- [Project 2.3.1 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-3-1-mapping/) - Benthic irradiance data, near-daily from 2002 to 2016, will be processed for the whole GBR. Experiments will be conducted at AIMS, light loggers will be deployed intially in the central GBR (Yongala, Rib, Myrmidon), and later at the IMOS stations in the southern and northern GBR. Markers are not an exact position of
- [Project 2.2.3 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-2-3-mapping/) - North Queensland beaches (Palm Cove & Yorkeys Knob), the area between Townsville and Port Douglas, Far North Queensland (FNQ) reefs & islands and Magnetic Island. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which
- [Project 2.2.2 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-2-2-mapping/) - Torres Strait, including the Warrior Reef and Bramble Cay. It is anticipated that at least 20-30 sites across the Torres Strait will be sampled. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it
- [Project 2.2.1 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-2-1-mapping/) - Torres Strait. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out. Back to Project 2.2.1 homepage Back to Round 2 Project Maps
- [Project 2.1.10 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-1-10-mapping/) - The research will be located on key properties along the lower 100km of the Bowen River. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out. Back to Project
- [Project 2.1.9 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-1-9-mapping/) - Field studies will be conducted at Cleveland Bay, Townsville. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out. Back to Project 2.1.9 homepage Back to Round 2
- [Project 2.1.8 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-1-8-mapping/) - Sites are set up at Freshwater, 2 sites on contrasting soil types at Tully, 1 site in the Burdekin Delta and 2 sites with contrasting productivity in a field in Mackay. The project has also taken over the Paddock to Reef site at Silkwood. Markers are not an exact position of where the
- [Project 2.1.7 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-1-7-mapping/) - Sub-catchment real-time water quality monitoring and extension effort will initially be focused within the Russell/Mulgrave River sub-catchments in the Wet Tropics region. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being
- [Project 2.1.6 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-1-6-mapping/) - Experimental laboratory analyses will be conducted in AIMS’ Sea Simulator. Demonstration case studies for selected field sites along inshore MMP water quality gradients, such as the Townsville/Burdekin region or the Mackay-Whitsunday region. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a
- [Project 2.1.5 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-1-5-mapping/) - Sampling to be conducted off the mouths of the Burdekin, Tully and Johnstone Rivers (flood plume samples) and also within Cleveland, Halifax and Rockingham Bays (resuspension event sampling). Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general
- [Project 2.1.4 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-1-4-mapping/) - Bowen/Bogie, Don and Lower Burdekin, but will be adapted based on erosion control programmes. The project will also build on existing gully remediation sites in the Upper Burdekin catchment including sites at Virginia Park and TFTA research sites. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are
- [Project 2.1.3 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-1-3-mapping/) - All regions of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out. Back to Project 2.1.3 homepage Back to Round 2 Project
- [Project 2.1.2 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-1-2-mapping/) - High priority catchments in the wet tropics as identified in the WQIP (e.g. Russell/Mulgrave, Johnstone, Tully/Murray and Herbert River catchments). Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out.
- [Project 2.1.1 Mapping](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/project-2-1-1-mapping/) - Reefs in the region between Lizard Island and Townsville. Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out. Back to Project 2.1.1 homepage Back to Round 2
- [Round 2 Project Maps](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/round-2-project-maps/) - Click on a header to go to project page Click on a marker for larger map Markers are not an exact position of where the research is taking place, they are only to be used as a guide to the general area in which it is being carried out.
- [Less waste, less run-off: Reducing nitrogen overuse with Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/december-2016/less-waste-less-run-off-reducing-nitrogen-overuse-with-enhanced-efficiency-fertilizers/) - Over-use of nitrogen-based fertilizer in the sugar cane industry is one of the key health pressures facing the Great Barrier Reef, but a Tropical Water Quality Hub project aims to help the cane industry reduce this wastage – without sacrificing sugar yield. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) is linked to Crown-of-Thorns Starfish and other reef health
- [December 2016](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/december-2016/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • How to persuade more land managers to adopt best management practices • Less waste, less run-off: Reducing nitrogen overuse with Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers • Stopping the shifting sands: Evaluating gully erosion remediation options • Light in the depths: Measuring benthic irradiance in coral ecosystems
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/december-2016/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Welcome to Issue 10 of the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Programme Tropical Water Quality Hub newsletter. In this issue we discuss projects that exemplify our Hub’s work – reducing nutrients and sediments running off catchments, working with farmers to increase adoption of better practices, and demonstrating the benefits to the reef environment. Our impact
- [Light in the depths: Measuring benthic irradiance in coral ecosystems](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/december-2016/light-in-the-depths-measuring-benthic-irradiance-in-coral-ecosystems/) - Coral reefs thrive in shallow, brightly-lit waters, so the amount of sunlight reaching the sea floor (called ‘benthic irradiance’) in a reef area can be used as a critical indicator for ecosystem health. Sediment and other water quality impacts can reduce benthic irradiance, which can have wide-ranging impacts on coral, including slower growth and recovery
- [Stopping the shifting sands: Evaluating gully erosion remediation options](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/december-2016/stopping-the-shifting-sands-evaluating-gully-erosion-remediation-options/) - Sub-surface soil erosion is the biggest human-induced source of sediment entering the Great Barrier Reef and has to be addressed if Reef 2050 targets are expected to be met, but a project under the Tropical Water Quality Hub aims to find the best ways of reducing this key Reef health impact. Revegetation programs and controlling
- [How to persuade more land managers to adopt best management practices](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/december-2016/how-to-persuade-more-land-managers-to-adopt-best-management-practices/) - Encouraging land managers to adopt practices that increase the quality of water running off farmland is amongst the foremost strategies for improving Great Barrier Reef water quality. One project is aiming to better ‘market’ these Best Management Practices (BMP) to previously disengaged or only partially engaged land managers to improve adoption rates of BMP. Project
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/august-2016/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Welcome to the National Environmental Science Programme (NESP) Tropical Water Quality Hub’s August 2016 newsletter! The NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub is focused upon commissioning solution-oriented research in tropical waters, focusing upon the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, and their associated catchments. Four examples of this focus on outcome-oriented research are illustrated in this quarterly
- [August 2016](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/august-2016/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Sea country and sanctuary: Working with traditional owners to study abundance of dugongs and sea turtles in Torres Strait • Clearing the waters: Scientists and cane farmers working together for fine-scale water quality monitoring in reef catchments • Seek and destroy: Finding and destroying Crown-of-Thorns starfish
- [Sea country and sanctuary: Working with traditional owners to study abundance of dugongs and sea turtles in Torres Strait](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/august-2016/sea-country-and-sanctuary-working-with-traditional-owners-to-study-abundance-of-dugongs-and-sea-turtles-in-torres-strait/) - A report under the Tropical Water Quality (TWQ) Hub provides further evidence that Torres Strait is the dugong capital of the world and a globally significant green turtle foraging habitat. TWQ Hub Project 3.2, led by Professor Helene Marsh at James Cook University, focused on improving estimates of dugong and green turtle populations in the
- [Clearing the waters: Scientists and cane farmers working together for fine-scale water quality monitoring in reef catchments](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/august-2016/clearing-the-waters-scientists-and-cane-farmers-working-together-for-fine-scale-water-quality-monitoring-in-reef-catchments/) - Coastal runoff containing pollutants like pesticide, nitrogen and sediment are heavily suspected to be major cumulative health impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. As a result, the practices of sugarcane farmers along the Queensland coast have come under heavy focus from science and the media. This has led to widespread frustration throughout the cane industry,
- [Seek and destroy: Finding and destroying Crown-of-Thorns starfish](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/august-2016/seek-and-destroy-finding-and-destroying-crown-of-thorns-starfish/) - The Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS) is one of the primary health threats to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) – reproducing in great numbers and feeding only on live coral, an outbreak of the starfish can strip a reef bare in weeks or even days. Data gathered from the Association of Marine Park Tour Operators (AMPTO)’s Crown-of-Thorns
- [Scratching the surface: Uncovering the effects of alluvial gully erosion](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/august-2016/scratching-the-surface-uncovering-the-effects-of-alluvial-gully-erosion/) - Gully erosion is a critical contributing factor to water quality impacts on Australian marine environments, with alluvial gullies in the three largest catchments contributing 70% of sediment loads to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Project 1.7, led by Dr Andrew Brooks at Griffith University, has re-examined more than 500 hectares of alluvial gully survey data
- [May 2016](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2016/) - • From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows • Emerging contaminants on the Great Barrier Reef • A nitrogen trading scheme for cane farmers • Understanding Irukandji jellyfish • Indigenous engagement critical for successful environment programs • Filling the knowledge gaps on dredging • Tenders work for improving water quality
- [Tenders work for improving water quality](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2016/tenders-work-for-improving-water-quality/) - An evaluation of a tender-based process for improving water quality in a Far North Queensland catchment has shown that well-managed engagement and communication with stakeholders is key to producing excellent progress. Using a mixed-method approach, Dr Romy Greiner conducted an ex-post evaluation of the 2008 Lower Burdekin Water Quality Tender and found a ‘high level
- [Filling the knowledge gaps on dredging](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2016/filling-the-knowledge-gaps-on-dredging/) - Key knowledge gaps for future research investment about the effects of dredging have been better targeted after the publication of the final report from a project led by Dr Britta Schaffelke at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Dredging is a core element of the debate around sustainable port and industry development and the Great
- [Indigenous engagement critical for successful environment programs](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2016/indigenous-engagement-critical-for-successful-environment-programs/) - Indigenous people need a key role and say in the policies of the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan (LTSP) but so far there has been a lack of effective engagement with Indigenous people on this framework. An evaluation of the Traditional Owner targets identified in the Long Term Sustainability Plan, led by Melissa George
- [Understanding Irukandji jellyfish](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2016/understanding-irukandji-jellyfish/) - Scientists and managers will be better-equipped to understand and predict groups or ‘smacks’ of potentially deadly Irukandji jellyfish in Far North Queensland waters thanks to government-supported research. Jellyfish scares during the summer season often lead to beach closures in North Queensland, with several swimmers suffering the excruciating pain of an Irukandji sting, described as feeling
- [A nitrogen trading scheme for cane farmers](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2016/a-nitrogen-trading-scheme-for-cane-farmers/) - A nitrogen permit trading scheme could tap into market forces to boost innovation and land-user engagement in catchments affecting the Great Barrier Reef. Sugarcane production relies on the application of nitrogen fertiliser to enhance soil quality seasonally. Current approaches to reducing the amount of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon are
- [From the Hub Leader, Professor Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/may-2016/from-the-hub-leader-professor-damien-burrows/) - Welcome to the National Environmental Science Programme (NESP) Tropical Water Quality Hub’s latest newsletter! The NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub is focused on commissioning solution-oriented research to water quality issues in tropical waters, focusing upon the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and their associated catchments. Now in the second year of its six-year term, the Hub
- [e-Newsletters](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/e-newsletters-2/)
- [External Links](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/contacts/external-links/) - • Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) • Central Queensland University (CQ) • Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) • Department of the Environment (DoE) • eAtlas • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) • Griffith University (GU) • James Cook University (JCU) • National Environmental Research Program Tropical Ecosystems Hub (NERP TE) • National Environmental Science Programme (NESP) • NESP Clean
- [MTSRF](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/mtsrf/) - The Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF) was a $40m component of the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities, managed by the then Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Although the four-year term of the MTSRF officially concluded on 30 June 2010, this Australian Government investment will continue to deliver sustainability
- [Theme 3](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/research-priorities/theme-3/) - Natural resource management improvements based on sound understanding of the status and long-term trends of priority species and systems Research priorities: Identify and trial practical methods to improve reef resilience, such as the transplantation of coral and coral genetics. Understand trends in dugong and turtle populations, including breeding cycles and trends in seagrass and
- [Theme 2](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/research-priorities/theme-2/) - Maximise the resilience of vulnerable species to the impacts of climate change and climate variability by reducing other pressures, including poor water quality Research priorities: Improve our understanding of the consequences of climate change for the health and resilience of vulnerable freshwater, coastal and marine species, and ecosystems. Develop practical, cost-effective, climate change adaptation
- [NERP TE Hub](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/nerp-te-hub/) - The NERP (National Environmental Research Program) Tropical Ecosystems Hub was a regional research program that existed between July 2011 and December 2014. Its purpose was to find solutions for current issues of importance to three iconic environmental assets of North Queensland: namely the ecosystems and people of the Wet Tropics Bioregion, the Great Barrier Reef,
- [Search Results](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/search_gcse/) - Search Results
- [RSS](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/rss-2/) - If you would like to subscribe to the NESP TWQ RSS Feed click here. If you have any problems with the link just put this link into your RSS feed reader: http://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/feed/
- [Terms of Use](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/terms-of-use/) - Material presented here has been provided by a number of parties. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, no guarantee is given, nor responsibility accepted by the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited for errors or omissions in the information presented. The Reef and Rainforest Research Centre
- [eAtlas](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/eatlas/)
- [Research](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/research/)
- [Reports](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/reports/)
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- [Privacy Statement](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/privacy-statement/) - Privacy Scope Reef & Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC) is committed to respecting your right to privacy and protecting your personal information. RRRC is bound by the Information Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) which can be found on the Federal Privacy Commissioner’s Website. This statement discloses RRRC’s information gathering and dissemination practices for
- [News](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/news/)
- [Events](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/events/)
- [News & Events](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/news-events/)
- [Hub Collaboration and Partnerships](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/nesp-twq/partners/) - The NESP encourages a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to environmental and climate science research. Key to the success of the Hub will be the capacity to foster partnerships across Hubs and with a wide range of relevant research stakeholders. The NESP TWQ Hub Administrator has an established track record of working collaboratively with other research programs
- [Disclaimer](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/disclaimer/) - Your use of nesptropical.edu.au does not: affect or reduce any obligation any Agency owes You; or reduce any obligation You owe to any Agency. The nesptropical.edu.au website is not a substitute for independent professional advice and you should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to your particular circumstances. You must exercise your own judgement and carefully evaluate the
- [Contacts](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/contacts/)
- [Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/australian-institute-of-marine-science-aims/) - Over its 40-year history, AIMS has earned its reputation as an impartial and trusted advisor on tropical water quality issues. AIMS have the commitment and capacity to undertake multidisciplinary, long-term and large-scale scientific research that addresses the NESP TWQ Hub priorities. AIMS research has made significant contributions to the development and implementation of policies and
- [University of Queensland (UQ)](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/university-of-queensland-uq/) - As a demonstration of their commitment to the NESP TWQ Hub Strategic Plan, the University of Queensland (UQ) has assembled an exceptionally strong team of researchers from the Global Change Institute, the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering, with demonstrated strength in water quality optimisation, social adaptation, environmental assessment and modelling, and coastal management.
- [Griffith University (GU)](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/griffith-university-gu/) - Griffith University’s highly respected Australian Rivers Institute (ARI) has the largest group of university based scientists, with expertise in river, catchment and coastal research, in Australia. ARI’s research capacity spans the biophysical, social and economic sciences and will generate important insights into the linkages, interconnectedness and interdependencies which affect water quality from the catchments to
- [Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/commonwealth-scientific-and-industrial-research-organisation-csiro/) - Through the ‘Land and Water’, ‘Agriculture’ and ‘Oceans and Atmosphere’ Flagships, CSIRO is conducting long term, strategic and as well as industry relevant, applied research in the Great Barrier Reef and other tropical water systems to ensure the long-term protection and restoration of coastal and Reef ecosystems and the sustainability of agricultural land uses. CSIRO
- [Central Queensland University (CQU)](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/central-queensland-university-cqu/) - Central Queensland University (CQU) research is closely aligned with water quality issues and the natural environment in northern Australia. There is particular expertise in economics, water quality science, freshwater ecology, ecotoxicology, coastal ecosystems and social sciences. Researchers have focused on issues in the marine systems, as well as the agricultural-environmental interface which impacts on water
- [James Cook University (JCU)](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/james-cook-university-jcu/) - James Cook University (JCU) has significant expertise across all aspects of the Tropical Water Quality Hub’s Research Investment Strategy. JCU is the most cited institutions in the world for coral reef ecology (ISI Essential Science Indicators 2008–2013), received the highest rating for ecological applications and environmental science and management in the last round of Excellence

## Events

- [GBR Restoration Symposium](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/event/gbr-restoration-symposium/)
- [NESP Science Day](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/event/nesp-science-day/) - Please click the image below to see the full agenda for the day. For catering purposes could you please register your attendance with Hulton King at the RRRC, hulton.king@rrrc.org.au.
- [Big Data and the Reef](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/event/big-data-and-the-reef/)
- [Second Round Funding Applications Close](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/event/second-round-funding-applications-close/)
- [NESP TWQ Hub Launch](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/event/nesp-twq-hub-launch/)
- [Second Round Funding Applications Open](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/event/second-round-funding-applications-open/)

## Draw Attention

- [](https://nesptropical.edu.au/?da_image=7324)

## Staff

- [](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/staff/kylie-kulper/) - TWQ Hub Liaison E: Environment.Research@awe.gov.au
- [Jo Johnson](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/staff/jo-johnson/) - Program Coordinator T: +61 (0)7 4050 7400 E: j.johnson@c2o.net.au
- [Toni Fulton](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/staff/toni-fulton/) - Office & Finance Manager T: +61 (0)7 4050 7400 E: toni.fulton@rrrc.org.au
- [Sheriden Morris](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/staff/sheriden-morris/) - Managing Director T: +61 (0)7 4050 7400 E: sheriden.morris@rrrc.org.au
- [Suzanne Long](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/staff/suzanne-long/) - Program Director T: +61 (0)7 4050 7408 E: suzanne.long@rrrc.org.au
- [Prof Damien Burrows](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/staff/prof-damian-burrows/) - TWQ Hub Leader E: damien.burrows@jcu.edu.au
- [Leith Boully](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/staff/leith-bully/) - TWQ Hub Steering Committee Chair E: lboully@bigpond.net.au

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/category/uncategorized/)
- [News](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/category/news/)
- [Final Report](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/category/final-report/)
- [Project Leader](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/category/project-leader/)
- [Factsheet](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/category/factsheet/)

## Staff Group

- [RRRC](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/staff-group/rrrc/)
- [NESP](https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/staff-group/nesp/)