Lewis, S., and Bainbridge, Z. (2021) Much more than just sediments: The importance of sediment composition for Great Barrier Reef ecosystems. Report. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

We can now identify the most damaging properties of sediment, associated particulate nutrients and its effects on ecological communities as it moves from catchment to reef. It is the fine grained (colloidal, clay and fine silts <20 μm), organic-rich sediment that has a critical impact on marine ecosystems through both direct effects (i.e. smothering) and increased reduction of benthic light relative to sediments produced in the marine environment. Marine sediments are commonly lighter in colour, carbonate-rich and mostly (but not always) coarser compared with land-sourced sediments. An improved understanding of the influence (including potential impacts) of sediment on GBR ecosystems and the ‘sea to source’ connections and interactions is required to guide management responses that reduce sediment delivery to the GBR.

Item ID:	79900
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Keywords:	Great Barrier Reef ecosystems, suspended particulates, suspended sediment, tropical water quality
Related URLs:	https://nesptropical.edu.au/
Copyright Information:	Much more than just sediments: The importance of sediment composition for Great Barrier Reef ecosystems is licensed by the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre for use under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia licence. For licence conditions see: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Funders:	National Environmental Science Program (NESP)
Projects and Grants:	NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub
Date Deposited:	30 Aug 2023 01:40
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410499 Environmental management not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1899 Other environmental management > 189999 Other environmental management not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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