NESP TWQ Hub Publications

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

Final Report

Westcott, D.A., Fletcher, C.S, Babcock, R. and Plaganyi-Lloyd, E. (2016) A Strategy to Link Research and Management of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish on the Great Barrier Reef: An Integrated Pest Management Approach. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (80pp.).


Project 1.2 - Developing an approach to evaluate the effectiveness of investments in riparian management in the GBR catchments

Dr Rebecca Bartley, CSIRO

Final Report - Part A

Bartley, R., Philip, S., Henderson, A.E. and Tindall, D. (2016) Investing in riparian zone management to reduce erosion from stream channels: how do we evaluate success? Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (54pp.).

Final Report - Part B

Bartley, R., Goodwin, N., Henderson, A.E., Hawdon, A., Tindall, D., Wilkinson, S.N. and Baker, B. (2016) A comparison of tools for monitoring and evaluating channel change. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (29pp.).


Project 1.3 - A validation of coral geochemical records to reconstruct suspended sediment loads to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon

Dr Stephen Lewis, JCU

Final Report

Lewis, S.E., Lough, J.M., Cantin, N., Matson, E. Kinsley, L. and Brodie, J.E. (2016) An examination of the ability of coral geochemical records to reconstruct suspended sediment loads to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (20pp.).


Project 1.5 - Legacy of the Lower Burdekin Water Quality Tender

Prof Romy Greiner, JCU

Final Report

Greiner, R. (2015) Ex-post evaluation of an environmental auction: Legacy of the 2008 Lower Burdekin Water Quality Tender. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (46pp.).


Project 1.6 - Multiple and cumulative impacts on the GBR: assessment of current status and development of improved approaches for management

Dr Sven Uthicke, AIMS

Final Report

Uthicke, S., Fabricius, K., De’ath, G., Negri, A., Warne, M., Smith, R., Noonan, S., Johansson, C., Gorsuch, H. and Anthony, K. (2016) Multiple and cumulative impacts on the GBR: assessment of current status and development of improved approaches for management: Final Report Project 1.6. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (144pp.).


Project 1.7 - Reducing sediment sources to the Reef: testing the effectiveness of managing alluvial gully erosion

Dr Andrew Brooks, GU

Final Report

Brooks, A., Spencer, J., Curwen, G, Shellberg, J., Garzon-Garcia, A, Burton, J. and Iwashita, F. (2016) Reducing sediment sources to the Reef: Managing alluvial gully erosion. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (375pp.).


Project 1.8 - Sub-catchment scale monitoring, modelling and extension design to support reef water quality improvement

Dr Aaron Davis, JCU

Final Report

Davis, A.M. and Waterhouse, J. (2016) Sub-catchment scale monitoring, modelling and extension design to support reef water quality improvement in sugarcane catchments: NESP Project 1.8. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (117pp.).


Project 1.9 - The establishment of a future NESP dredging research investment framework

Dr Britta Schaffelke, AIMS

Final Report

Schaffelke, B., Brinkman, R., Dobbs, K., Jones, R., Kane, K., Negri, A. and Rasheed, M. (2016) The establishment of a future NESP dredging research investment framework: NESP TWQ Hub Project 1.9. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (22pp.).


Project 1.10 - Identification, impacts, and prioritization of emerging contaminants present in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait marine environments

Dr Frederieke Kroon, AIMS

Final Report

Kroon, F.J., Berry, K.L.E., Brinkman, D.L., Davis, A., King, O., Kookana, R., Lewis, S., Leusch, F., Makarynskyy, O., Melvin, S., Müller, J., Neale, P., Negri, A., O’Brien, D., Puotinen, M., Smith, R., Tsang, J., van de Merwe, J., Warne, M. and Williams, M. (2015) Identification, impacts, and prioritisation of emerging contaminants present in the GBR and Torres Strait marine environments. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (138pp.).


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

Prof Geoff Jones, JCU

Final Report

Williamson, D.H., Ceccarelli, D.M., Rossetti, G., Russ, G. R. and Jones, G. P. (2016) Assessing the cumulative impacts of climatic disturbances on coral reefs in the Keppel Islands, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (65pp.).


Project 2.2 - A tradable permit scheme for cost effective reduction of nitrogen runoff in the sugarcane catchments of the Great Barrier Reef

Dr Jim Smart, GU

Final Report

Smart, J.B., Hasan, S., Volders, A., Curwen, G., Fleming, C. and Burford, M. (2016) A tradable permit scheme for cost-effective reduction of nitrogen runoff in the sugarcane catchments of the Great Barrier Reef. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (75pp.).


Project 3.1 - Seagrass mapping synthesis – A resource for marine park and coastal management

Dr Rob Coles, JCU

Final Report

Carter, A.B., McKenna, S.A., Rasheed, M.A., McKenzie L. and Coles R.G. (2016) Seagrass mapping synthesis: A resource for coastal management in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (22pp.).


Project 3.2 - Improving historical estimates of abundance and distribution of dugongs and large green turtles in western and central Torres Strait

Prof Helene Marsh, JCU

Final Report 1

Cleguer, C., Preston, S., Hagihara, R., Shimada, T., Udyawer, V., Hamann, M., Simpson, S., Loban, F., Bowie, G., Fujii, R. and Marsh, H. (2016) Working with the community to understand use of space by dugongs and green turtles in Torres Strait: A project in collaboration with the Mura Badulgal Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (62pp.).

Final Report 2

Hagihara, R., Cleguer, C., Preston, S., Sobtzick, S., Hamann, M., Shimada, T. and Marsh, H. (2016) Improving the estimates of abundance of dugongs and large immature and adult-sized green turtles in Western and Central Torres Strait. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (53pp.).


Project 3.3 - Light thresholds for seagrasses of the GBR: a synthesis and guiding document for managing seagrass

Dr Catherine Collier, JCU

Final Report

Collier, C.J., Chartrand, K., Honchin, C., Fletcher, A. and Rasheed, M. (2016) Light thresholds for seagrasses of the GBR: a synthesis and guiding document. Including knowledge gaps and future priorities. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (41pp.).


Project 3.4 - Developing and refining biological indicators for seagrass condition assessments in an integrated monitoring program

Dr Catherine Collier, JCU

Final Report

Collier, C.J., Langlois, L. Zemoi, R.,Martin, K. and McKenzie, L. (2016) Developing and refining biological indicators for condition assessments in an integrated monitoring program. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (31pp.).


Project 3.5 - Assessment of key dugong and turtle seagrass resources in the northern Torres Strait

Dr Michael Rasheed, JCU

Final Report

Carter, A.B. and Rasheed, M.A. (2016) Assessment of Key Dugong and Turtle Seagrass Resources in North-west Torres Strait. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme and Torres Strait Regional Authority. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (41pp.).


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

Prof Mike Kingsford, JCU

Final Report

Kingsford, M.J., Pitt, K., Llewellyn, L., O’Callaghan, M.D., Seymour, J. and Richardson, A. (2016) 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. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (42pp.).


Project 3.7 - Monitoring the effects of zoning on coral reefs and their associated fish communities in the GBR Marine Park

Dr Hugh Sweatman, AIMS

Final Report

Sweatman, H., Cheal, A., Emslie, M., Johns, K., Jonker M., Miller, I. and Osborne, K. (2015) Effects of marine park zoning on coral reefs of the Capricorn-Bunker Group – Report on surveys in October 2015. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (15pp.).


Project 3.8 - Towards an integrated monitoring program: identifying indicators and existing monitoring programs to cost-effectively evaluate the Long Term Sustainability Plan

Dr Prue Addison, AIMS

Final Report

Addison, P., Walshe, T., Sweatman, H., Jonker, M., MacNeil, A., Thompson, A. and Logan, M. (2015) Towards an integrated monitoring program: Identifying indicators and existing monitoring programs to effectively evaluate the Long Term Sustainability Plan. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (118pp.).


Project 3.9 - Indigenous capacity building and increased participation in management of Queensland sea country

Melissa George, AIMS & Ro Hill CSIRO

Final Report

Dale, A., George, M., Hill, R. and Fraser, D. (2016) Traditional Owners and Sea Country in the Southern Great Barrier Reef – Which Way Forward? Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (50pp.).


Project 3.10 - Benchmarking costs of NRM improvements for the GBR

Prof John Rolfe, CQU

Final Report

Rolfe, J. and Windle, J. (2016) Benchmarking costs of improving agricultural water management in GBR catchments. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (52pp.).


Project 3.11 - Monitoring and adaptively reducing system-wide governance risks facing the GBR

Prof Allan Dale, JCU

Final Report

Dale, A.P., Vella, K., Pressey, R.L., Brodie, J., Gooch, M., Potts, R. and Eberhard, R. (2016) Monitoring and adaptively reducing system-wide governance risks facing the GBR: Final report. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (20pp.).


Project 3.12 - Development of an offset financial contribution calculator for Reef Trust

Assoc Prof Martine Maron, UQ

Final Report

Maron, M., Walsh, M., Shumway, N. and Brodie, J. (2016) Reef Trust Offsets Calculator: A prototype calculation approach for determining financial liability for marine biodiversity offsets voluntarily delivered through the Australian Government Department of the Environment (Reef Trust). Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (74pp.).


Project 3.13 - eAtlas 2015 – NESP data management, Torres Strait NRM plan delivery platform and Torres Strait reef mapping

Dr Eric Lawrey, AIMS

Final Report 1

Lawrey, E.P. and Stewart, M. (2016) Mapping the Torres Strait Reef and Island Features: Extending the GBR Features (GBRMPA) dataset. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (103pp.).

Final Report 2

Lafond, G. and Lawrey, E. (2016) Highlights of the National Environmental Research Program Tropical Ecosystems (NERP TE) Hub datasets: eAtlas Metadata Catalogue 2011-2014. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (47pp.).


Project 2.1.1 - Integrated Pest Management of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish

Dr David Westcott, CSIRO

Technical Report

Sweatman, H. and Cappo, M. (2018) Do no-take zones reduce the likelihood of outbreaks of the Crown-of-thorns starfish? Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (38pp.).

Technical Report

M.R. Hall, C.A. Motti and F. Kroon (2017) The potential role of the giant triton snail, Charonia tritonis (Gastropoda: Ranellidae) in mitigating population outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish. Integrated Pest Management of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (58pp.).

Interim Report

Fletcher, C.S. and Westcott, D.A. (2016) Strategies for Surveillance and Control: Using Crown-of-Thorns Starfish management program data to optimally distribute management resources between surveillance and control. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (22pp.).


Project 2.1.2 - Scoping options for low-lying, marginal cane land to reduce DIN in priority wet tropics catchments

Dr Nathan Waltham, JCU

Final Report

Waltham, N.J., Wegscheidl, C.J., Smart, J.C.R., Volders, A., Hasan, S. and Waterhouse, J. (2017) Scoping land conversion options for high DIN risk, low-lying sugarcane, to alternative use for water quality improvement in Wet Tropics catchments. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (142pp.).


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

Final Report

Hay, R., & Eagle, L., (2019) Findings from a longitudinal study of farmer decision influencers for Best Management Practices, Queensland, Australia. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (209pp.).

Interim Report

Hay, R. and Eagle, L. (2018) Land Managers Decision Making about Water Quality: Views from Extension Officers of the Wet Tropics, Queensland, Australia. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (47pp.).

Interim Report

Farr, M., Eagle, L. and Hay, R. (2018) Key Determinants of pro-environmental behaviour of land managers in the agricultural sector: Literature Review. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (89pp.).

Interim Report

Farr, M., Eagle, L. and Hay, R. (2017) Questionnaire Design, Sampling Strategy and Preliminary Findings: A Comparison of the Burdekin and Wet Tropics regions. NESP Project 2.1.3 Interim report. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (70pp.).

Interim Report

Farr, M., Eagle, L. Hay, R. and Churchill, M. (2017) Questionnaire Design, Sampling Strategy and Preliminary Findings: The Wet Tropics region. NESP Project 2.1.3 Interim report. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (100pp.).

Interim Report

Farr, M., Eagle, L. Hay, R. and Churchill, M. (2017) Questionnaire Design, Sampling Strategy and Preliminary Findings: The Burdekin region. NESP Project 2.1.3 Interim report. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (124pp.).

Interim Report

Hay, R. and Eagle, L. (2016) Harnessing the science of social marketing and behaviour change for improved water quality in the Great Barrier Reef: A documentary analysis of Reef Trust Tender (Burdekin) and Reef Programme. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (95pp.).

Interim Report

Eagle, L., Hay, R. and Farr, M. (2016) Harnessing the science of social marketing and behaviour change for improved water quality in the GBR: Background review of literature. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (98pp.).


Project 2.1.4 - Demonstration and evaluation of gully remediation on downstream water quality and agricultural production in GBR rangelands

Dr Rebecca Bartley, CSIRO

Technical Report

Bartley, R., Wilkinson, S., Henderson, A. and Hawdon, A. (2018) Cost effectiveness of gully remediation in the Burdekin catchment: preliminary insights based on measured data from NESP monitoring sites and progress with new Lidar methodologies. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (28pp.).

Technical Report

Bartley, R., Hawdon, A., Henderson, A., Wilkinson, S., Goodwin, N., Abbott, B., Baker, B., Matthews, M., Boadle, D. and Jarihani, B. (2018) Quantifying the effectiveness of gully remediation on off-site water quality: preliminary results from demonstration sites in the Burdekin catchment (second wet season). Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (75pp.).

Technical Report

Bartley, R., Hawdon, A., Henderson, A., Wilkinson, S., Goodwin, N., Abbott, B., Baker, B., Matthews, M., Boadle, D., Telfer, D., Smith, B., Jarihani, B. and Burkin, G. (2017) Quantifying the effectiveness of gully remediation on offsite water quality: preliminary results from demonstration sites in the Burdekin catchment. Project 2.1.4. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (76pp.).


Project 2.1.5 - What’s really damaging the Reef? Tracing the origin and fate of the environmentally detrimental sediment

Dr Stepehn Lewis, JCU

Final Report

Lewis, S., Bainbridge, Z. Stevens, T. Garzon-Garcia, A. Chen, C. Burton, J. Bahadori, M. Rezaei Rashti, M. Gorman, J. Smithers, S. Olley, J. Moody, P. and Dehayr, R. (2018) Sediment tracing from the catchment to reef 2016 to 2018: Flood plume, marine sediment trap and logger data time series. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (94pp.).


Project 2.1.6 - From exposure to risk: novel experimental approaches to analyse cumulative impacts and determine thresholds in the GBRWHA

Dr Sven Uthicke, AIMS

Technical Report

Negri, A.P., Smith, R., King, O., Frangos, J. Uthicke, S. (2019) Applying climate adjustments to tropical water quality guidelines: a multisubstance-potentially affected fraction (ms-PAF) approach. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (32pp.).


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)

Dr Aaron Davis, JCU

Final Report

Davis, A.M. (2019) Engaging with farmers and demonstrating water quality outcomes to create confidence in on-farm decision-making (“Project 25”). Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (37pp.).


Project 2.1.8 - Improved Water Quality Outcomes from On-Farm Nitrogen Management

Prof Mike Bell, UQ

Final Report

Bell, M.J., Moody, P.W., Webster, A.J., Skcoaj, D., Masters, B. and Dowie, J. (2019) Improved Water Quality Outcomes from On-Farm Nitrogen Management. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (50pp.).


Project 2.1.9 - Risk assessing dredging activities

Dr Ross Jones, AIMS

Final Report

Jones, R., Fisher, R., Francis, D., Klonowski, W., Luter, H., Negri, A., Pineda, MC., Ricardo, G., Slivkoff, M. and Whinney, J. (2020). Risk Assessing Dredging Activities in Shallow-Water Mesophotic Reefs. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (78pp.).


Project 2.1.10 - The application and adaption of mine site rehabilitation approaches to alluvial gully rehabilitation in the Bowen Catchment

Dr Andrew Brooks, GU

Communique Report

Brooks, A., Pietsch, T., Thwaites, R., Loch, R., Pringle, H., Eccles, S., Baumgartl, T., Biala, J., Spencer, J., Zund, P., Spedding, T., Heap, A., Burrows, D., Andrewartha, R., Freeman, A., Lacey, S., Higham, W. and Goddard, M., (2016) Communique: Alluvial Gully Systems Erosion Control & Rehabilitation Workshop, Collinsville 8-10 August 2016. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (23pp.).


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

Jane Waterhouse, JCU

Final Report

Waterhouse, J., Petus, C., Brodie, J., Bainbridge, S., Wolanski, E., Dafforn, K.A., Birrer, S.C., Lough, J., Tracey, D., Johnson, J.E., Chariton, A.C., Johnston, E.L., Li, Y., Martins, F. and O’Brien, D. (2018) Identifying water quality and ecosystem health threats to the Torres Strait and Far Northern GBR from runoff of the Fly River. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (162pp.).

Synthesis Report

Waterhouse, J., Apte, S.C., Brodie, J., Hunter, C., Petus, C., Bainbridge, S., Wolanski, E., Dafforn, K.A., Lough, J., Tracey, D., Johnson, J.E., Angel, B.M., Jarolimek, C.V., Chariton, A.A., Murphy, N. (2019). Identifying water quality and ecosystem health threats to the Torres Strait from runoff arising from mine-derived pollution of the Fly River: Synthesis Report for NESP TWQ Hub Project 2.2.1 and NESP TWQ Hub Project 2.2.2. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (19pp.).

Interim Report

Lough, J.M. (2016) Coral Core Records of the North-east Torres Strait. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (24pp.).


Project 2.2.2 - Impacts of mine-derived pollution on Torres Strait environments and communities

Dr Simon Apte, CSIRO

Final Report

Apte, S.C., Angel, B.M., Hunter, C., Jarolimek, C.V., Chariton, A.A., King J. and Murphy, N. (2019) Impacts of minederived contaminants on Torres Strait environments and communities. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (126pp.).

Synthesis Report

Waterhouse, J., Apte, S.C., Brodie, J., Hunter, C., Petus, C., Bainbridge, S., Wolanski, E., Dafforn, K.A., Lough, J., Tracey, D., Johnson, J.E., Angel, B.M., Jarolimek, C.V., Chariton, A.A., Murphy, N. (2019). Identifying water quality and ecosystem health threats to the Torres Strait from runoff arising from mine-derived pollution of the Fly River: Synthesis Report for NESP TWQ Hub Project 2.2.1 and NESP TWQ Hub Project 2.2.2. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (19pp.).


Project 2.2.3 - Early warning systems to minimize the risk of box jellyfish stings by empowering stakeholders

Dr Scott Condie, CSIRO

Final Report

Condie, S.A., Gershwin, L.A., Kingsford, M.J., Pitt, K.A., Richardson, A.J. and Thomas, L. (2018) Early warning systems to minimize the risk of box jellyfish stings by empowering stakeholders. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (44pp.).


Project 2.3.1 - Benthic light as ecologically validated GBR wide indicator for water quality: drivers, thresholds and cumulative risks

Dr Katharina Fabricius, AIMS

Final Technical Report

Robson, B., Canto, M., Collier, C., di Perna, S., Logan, M., Menendez, P., McKinna, L., Noonan, S. and Fabricius, K. (2019) Benthic light as an ecologically-validated GBR-wide indicator for water quality. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (40pp.).


Project 2.3.2 - ‘Human sensors’ for monitoring GBR environmental changes and quality of marine waters through harnessing Big Data analysis

Prof Susanne Becken, GU

Final Report

Becken, S., Reza Alaei, A., Chen, J., Connolly, R. and Stantic, B. (2017) The role of social media in sharing information about the Great Barrier Reef. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (39pp.).


Project 2.3.3 - Building Indigenous livelihood and comanagement opportunities in the northern GBR-ecosystem services and conservation governance for water quality

Dr Marcus Barber, CSIRO

Final Report

Barber, M., Dale, A., Pearse, R., Perry, J., Winer, M., Jaffer, T. and Creek, D. (2017) Community-based evaluation, governance, and strategic planning for Indigenous Ecosystem Services in Eastern Cape York Peninsula. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (93pp.).

Interim Report

Pearse, R. (2018) Drivers and trends in environmental markets: Applications for Australia. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Cairns: Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited. (81pp.).

Interim Report

Barber, M., Dale, M., Pearse, R., Everson, B., Perry, J., Jaffer, T., Winer, M. and Creek, D. (2016) Scoping market-based opportunities for Indigenous provision of water quality services and associated conservation governance in the Northern Great Barrier Reef: Interim Project Report and Discussion Paper. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (51pp.).


Project 2.3.4 - Working with Traditional Owners and local citizens to better manage GBR estuarine wetlands

Dr Norm Duke, JCU

Final Report Volume 1

Duke, N.C., Mackenzie, J., Fennessy, R., Cormier, R. and Kovacs, J. (2019) Southern Great Barrier Reef Coastal Habitat Archive and Monitoring Program: Developing a Mangrove Management Plan Volume 1. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (76pp.).

Final Report Volume 2

Duke, N.C., MacKenzie, J., Fennessy, R., Cormier, R. and Kovacs, J. (2019) Southern Great Barrier Reef Coastal Habitat Archive and Monitoring Program: Mangrove Management Plan Volume 2. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (160pp.).

Progress Report

Duke, N.C. and Mackenzie, J. (2016) Southern GBR Coastal Habitat Archive and Monitoring Program (S-GBR CHAMP): Progress Report December 2016. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (68pp.).

Progress Report

Duke, N.C. and MacKenzie, J. (2016) Southern GBR Coastal Habitat Archive and Monitoring Program (S-GBR CHAMP): Progress Report June 2016. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (41pp.).


Project 3.1.1 - Implementation of the Crown-of-thorns research strategy: regional strategies

Dr David Westcott, CSIRO

Technical Report

Høj, L., Byrne, M., Kroon, F., Westcott, D. (2020) A Review of Biologically Based Control Technologies for Crown-of-Thorns Starfish: Options for Enhancing the Integrated Pest Management Approach. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (133pp.).

Technical Report

Pratchett, M.S., Caballes, C.F., Messmer, V., Fletcher, C.S., Westcott, D.A. (2020) Movement patterns of Pacific crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) linked to habitat structure and prey availability. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (40pp.).

Technical Report

Fletcher C. S., Bonin M. C, Westcott D. A. (2020) An ecologically-based operational strategy for COTS Control: Integrated decision making from the site to the regional scale. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (65pp.).

Technical Report

Beaman, R.J. (2018) Assessment of deep-water habitat for crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) in the Great Barrier Reef. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (45pp.).


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

Final Report

Wang, E., Attard,S., Wang, E., Philippa, B., Xiang, W. and Everingham Y. (2020) Improving water quality for the Great Barrier Reef and wetlands by better managing irrigation in the sugarcane farming system: Second Level Report Heading. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (39pp.).


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)

Prof Lynne Eagle, JCU

Final Report

Hay, R., Eagle, L. and Chan, J. (2018) Harnessing the science of social marketing and behaviour change for improved water quality in the Great Barrier Reef: Final report best practice guide for development and modification of program communication material. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (69pp.).


Project 3.1.4 - Optimizing the management of riparian zones to improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef

Dr Keryn Paul, CSIRO

Final Report

Paul, K.I., Bartley, R., Larmour, J.S., Davies, M.J., Crawford, D., Westley, S., Dryden, B. and James, C.S. (2018) Optimising the management of riparian zones to improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (79pp.).


Project 3.1.5 - Ecotoxicology of pesticides on the Great Barrier Reef for guideline development and risk assessments

Dr Andrew Negri, AIMS

Final Report

Negri, A.P., Templeman, S., Flores, F., van Dam, J., Thomas, M., McKenzie, M., Stapp, L., Kaserzon, S., Mann, R.M., Smith, R., Warne, M.St.J. and Mueller, J. (2020) Ecotoxicology of pesticides on the Great Barrier Reef for guideline development and risk assessments. Final report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (125pp.).


Project 3.1.6 - Exploring trading in water quality credits as a cost-effective approach for managing water quality in the Great Barrier Reef

Dr Jim Smart, GU

Final Report

Smart, J.C.R., Hasan, S., Curwen, G., McMahon, J.M., Volders, A., Saint Ange, C., Fleming, C.M., Buckwell, A., Burford, M., Tan, P-L., Garzon-Garcia, A., Burton, J.M., Dew, P. and Edeson, G. (2020) Exploring trading in water quality credits as a cost-effective approach for managing water quality in the Great Barrier Reef. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (245pp.).

Technical Report

Buckwell, A, Ribbeck, M, Dyke, J. and Smart, J. C. R. (2020) Revealing innovation discourses in the sugar cane sector: Using Q methodology to reveal dominant discourses around innovation and innovative incentive approaches in the sugar cane sector in the Wet Tropics Region of Queensland. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (50pp.).


Project 3.1.7 - Reducing sediment loads to the Great Barrier Reef: developing optimal approaches for treating alluvial gully erosion

Assoc Prof Andrew Brooks, GU

Final Report

Brooks, A.P., Spencer, J., Doriean, N.J.C., Thwaites, R., Garzon-Garcia, A., Hasan, S., Daley, J., Burton, J, Zund, P. (2021) The Effectiveness of Alluvial Gully Remediation in Great Barrier Reef Catchments. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (199pp.).


Project 3.1.8 - Innovative economic levers: a system for underwriting risk of practice change in cane-farming

Dr Peter Thorburn, CSIRO

Final Report

Thorburn, P.J., Biggs, J.S., McMillan, L., Webster, A.J., Palmer, J. and Everingham, Y.L. (2020). Innovative economic levers: a system for underwriting risk of practice change in cane-farming. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (67pp.).


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

Dr Catherine Collier, JCU

Technical Report

Carter, A.B., Collier, C., Rasheed, M.A., McKenzie, L. and Udy, J. (2018) A framework for defining seagrass habitat for the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (42pp.).


Project 3.2.2 - The IMS 2050 Human Dimensions Project: cost-effective Indicators and metrics for key GBRWHA human dimensions

Prof Allan Dale, JCU

Final Report - Burdekin

Gooch, M., Dale, A., Marshall, N. and Vella, K. (2018) Assessing the human dimensions of the Great Barrier Reef: A Burdekin Region focus. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (58pp.).

Final Report - Burnett Mary

Gooch, M., Dale, A., Marshall, N. and Vella, K. (2018) Assessing the human dimensions of the Great Barrier Reef: A Burnett-Mary Region focus. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (50pp.).

Final Report - Eastern Cape York

Gooch, M., Dale, A., Marshall, N. and Vella, K. (2018) Assessing the human dimensions of the Great Barrier Reef: An Eastern Cape York Region focus. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (47pp.).

Final Report - Fitzroy

Gooch, M., Dale, A.P., Marshall, N. and Vella, K. (2018) Assessing the human dimensions of the Great Barrier Reef: A Fitzroy Region focus. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (61pp.).

Final Report - Mackay Whitsunday

Gooch, M., Dale, A., Marshall, N. and Vella, K. (2018) Assessing the human dimensions of the Great Barrier Reef: A Mackay-Whitsunday Region focus. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (52pp.).

Final Report - Wet Tropics

Gooch, M., Dale, A., Marshall, N. and Vella, K. (2018) Assessing the human dimensions of the Great Barrier Reef: A Wet Tropics Region focus. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (61pp.).

Final Report - Summary

Gooch, M., Marshall, N., Dale, A. and Vella, K. (2018) NESP Project 3.2.2 Final Report: Trialling an Assessment and Monitoring Program for the Human Dimensions of the Reef 2050 Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (97pp.).


Project 3.2.3 - Monitoring aesthetic value of the Great Barrier Reef by using artificial intelligence to score photos and videos

Prof Susanne Becken, GU

Final Report

Becken, S., Connolly, R., Bela Stantic, B., Scott, N., Mandal, R. and Le, D. (2017) Monitoring aesthetic value of the Great Barrier Reef by using innovative technologies and artificial intelligence. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (48pp.).


Project 3.2.4 - Defining, assessing and monitoring Great Barrier Reef aesthetics

Dr Nadine Marshall, CSIRO

Final Report

Marshall, N.A., Marshall, P.A. and Smith, A.K. (2017) Managing for Aesthetic Values in the Great Barrier Reef: Identifying indicators and linking Reef Aesthetics with Reef Health. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (102pp.).


Project 3.2.5 - Testing and implementation of the water quality metric for the 2017 and 2018 reef report cards

Dr Britta Schaffelke, AIMS

Final Report

Robillot, C., Logan, M., Baird, M., Waterhouse J., Martin, K. and Schaffelke, B. (2018) Testing and implementation of an improved water quality index for the 2016 and 2017 Great Barrier Reef Report Cards – Detailed technical report. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (150pp.).

Final Report - Summary

Robillot, C., Logan, M., Baird, M., Waterhouse J., Martin, K. and Schaffelke, B. (2018) Testing and implementation of an improved water quality index for the 2016 and 2017 Great Barrier Reef Report Cards: Summary Report. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (65pp.).


Project 3.3.2 - Science evaluation of coastal wetland systems repair projects across GBR catchments

Dr Nathan Waltham, JCU

Final Report - Mungalla

Waltham, N. J., Adame, M. F., Karim, F., Abbott, B., Wallace, J. (2020) Bund wall removal increases saltwater intrusion and controls invasive aquatic weeds on a coastal flood plain.Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (83pp.).

Final Report - Babinda

Wallace, J., Adame, M.F., Waltham N.J. (2020) A treatment wetland near Babinda, north Queensland: a case study of potential water quality benefits in an agricultural tropical catchment. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (60pp.).

Final Report - Round Hill

Waltham, N.J., Buelow, C.A., and Iles, J.A. (2020) Evaluating wetland restoration success: feral pig exclusion fencing in the Round Hill Reserve. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (96pp.).


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

Johanna Johnson, JCU

Final Report - Part 1

Johnson, J.E., Welch, D.J., Marshall, P.A., Day, J., Marshall, N., Steinberg, C.R., Benthuysen, J.A., Sun, C., Brodie, J., Marsh, H., Hamann, M. and Simpfendorfer, C. (2018) Characterising the values and connectivity of the northeast Australia seascape: Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, Coral Sea and Great Sandy Strait. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (81pp.).

Final Report - Part 2

Johnson, J.E., Welch, D.J., Marshall, P.A., Day, J., Marshall, N., Steinberg, C.R., Benthuysen, J.A., Sun, C., Brodie, J., Marsh, H., Hamann and M., Simpfendorfer, C. (2018) Supplementary Synthesis Report: Connectivity and inter-dependencies of values in the northeast Australia seascape. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (67pp.).

Final Report - Summary

Johnson, J.E., Welch, D.J., Marshall, P.A., Day, J., Marshall, N., Steinberg, C.R., Benthuysen, J.A., Sun, C., Brodie, J., Marsh, H., Hamann and M., Simpfendorfer, C. (2018) Characterising the values and connectivity of the northeast Australia seascape: Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, Coral Sea and Great Sandy Strait. Summary for Decision-Makers. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (8pp.).


Project 4.1 - Crown-of-thorns starfish: surveillance and life history

Dr David Westcott, CSIRO

Technical Report

Gladish, D.W., Condie, S., Fletcher C.S., Westcott, D.A. (2021) Coral Bleaching and Mortality on The Great Barrier Reef: A Data Driven Modelling Approach. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (49pp.).

Technical Report

Westcott, D.A., Fletcher, C.S., Gladish, D., Babcock, R. (2021) Monitoring and Surveillance for the Expanded Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Management Program. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (49pp.).

Technical Report

Pratchett, M. S., Wilmes, J. C., Caballes, C. F. (2020) Inter-reef variation in the demography of Pacific crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) relative to marine reserves. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (30pp.).

Technical Report

Gladish, D. W., Fletcher, C. S., Condie, S., Westcott, D. A.(2020) Environmental Factors Influencing the Distribution of Crown of Thorns Starfish on the Great Barrier Reef. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (39pp.).

Technical Report

Westcott, D. and Fletcher, C. (2018) How Effective Are Management Responses In Controlling Crown-of-Thorns Starfish and their Impacts On The Great Barrier Reef? Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (20pp.).


Project 4.3 - Best practice coral restoration for the Great Barrier Reef

Dr Ian McLeod, JCU

Final Report

McLeod, I.M. et al. (2020) Best practice coral restoration for the Great Barrier Reef: Synthesis of results. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (36pp.).

Technical Report

Hein, M., Newlands, M., Elms, A., Vella, K., McLeod, I. M. (2020) Why do Great Barrier Reef tourism operators engage in coral restoration? An exploration of motivations, opportunities, and challenges. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (24pp.).

Technical Report

Boström-Einarsson, L., Ceccarelli, D., Babcock, R.C., Bayraktarov, E., Cook, N., Harrison, P., Hein, M., Shaver, E., Smith, A., Stewart-Sinclair, P.J., Vardi, T., McLeod, I.M. (2018) Coral restoration in a changing world – A global synthesis of methods and techniques. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Ltd, Cairns (63pp.).

Baseline Report

Cook, N., Smith, A., McLeod, I., Boström-Einarsson, L., Christie, S. and McKenna, G. (2018) Fitzroy Island Coral Nursery: Installation and Baseline Report. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (26pp.).


Project 4.4 - The traits of corals that survived recent bleaching events

Dr Kate Quigley, AIMS

Final Report

Quigley, K., Ramsby, B., Laffy, P., Mocellin V., Harris J., and Bay. L.K. (2021). The genetic traits of corals that survived recent bleaching events. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (98pp.).


Project 4.5 - Optimizing the management of riparian zones to improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef

Prof Peter Mumby, UQ

Final Report

Mason, R. A. B., de la Motte, K., Bozec, Y.-M., Adams, M. P., Mumby, P. J. (2020) Resilience-Based Management Tools for the Great Barrier Reef. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (73pp.).

Technical Report

Mason, R.A.B., Hock, K. and Mumby, P.J. (2018) Identification of Important Source Reefs for Great Barrier Reef Recovery following the 2016-17 Thermal Stress Events. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (11pp.).


Project 4.6 - Recommendations for maintaining functioning of the Great Barrier Reef

Prof Peter Mumby, UQ

Final Report

Wolfe, K. et al. (2019) Recommendations to maintain functioning of the Great Barrier Reef. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (330pp.).


Project 4.7 - Indigenous coral reef tourism

Assoc Prof Henrietta Marrie, CQU

Final Report

Galloway McLean, K., Marrie A. and Marrie, H. (2020) Great Barrier Reef Tourism: Translating Policy Into Practice. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (152pp.).


Project 4.9 - Gully characterisation framework to underpin GBR catchment water quality management

Assoc Prof Andrew Brooks, GU

Final Report

Brooks, A. P., Thwaites, R.N., Spencer, J., Pietsch, T. and J. Daley (2019). A Gully Classification Scheme to Underpin Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Management: 1st Edition. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (123pp.).


Project 4.11 - Sources, transformations and fate of dissolved organic carbon – implications for the GBR

Prof Michele Burford, GU

Final Report

Burrows, R.M., Lewis, S.E., Garzon-Garcia, A., Burton, J., Brodie, J.E., Mehrtens, J., Erbacher, J., Gale, K., Burford, M.A. (2018) Sources, transformations and fate of particulate and dissolved organic carbon: Implications for the Great Barrier Reef. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (88pp.).


Project 5.1 - Matching the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Integrated Pest Management to the scale of the new Control Program

Dr David Westcott, CSIRO

Technical Report

Jarvis, D., Curnock, M., Villora, S. (2020) Social and Economic Outcomes of the COTS Control Youth Training Program. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (45pp.).

Technical Report

Fletcher C.S., Castro-Sanguino C., Condie S., Bozec Y.-M., Hock K., Gladish, D.W., Mumby P.J., Westcott, D.A. (2021) Regional-scale modelling capability for assessing crown-of-thorns starfish control strategies on the Great Barrier Reef. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (59pp.).

Technical Report

Fletcher, C.S., Westcott, D.A. (2021) The COTS Control Centre: Supporting ecologically-informed decision making when and where the decisions need to be made. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (189pp.).

Technical Report

Jarvis, D., Curnock, M. & Villora, S. (2020) Social and Economic Outcomes of the COTS Control Youth Training Program. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (45pp.).


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)

Dr Sven Uthicke, AIMS

Final Report

Uthicke, S, Castro-Sanguino, C, Ferrari, R, Fabricius, K, Lawrey, E, Flores, F, Patel, F, Brunner, C, and Negri, A. (2020) From Exposure to Risk: Novel Experimental Approaches to Analyse Cumulative Impacts and Determine Thresholds in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (128pp.).

Technical Report

Negri, A.P., Smith, R., King, O., Frangos, J. Uthicke, S. (2019) Applying climate adjustments to tropical water quality guidelines: a multisubstance-potentially affected fraction (ms-PAF) approach. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (32pp.).


Project 5.3 - Benthic light as ecologically-validated GBR-wide indicator for water quality: Drivers, thresholds and cumulative risks

Dr Barbara Robson, AIMS

Final Report

Robson, B.J., Canto, M.M., McKinna, L.I., Logan, M., Lewis, S. and Fabricius, K.E. (2021) Benthic light as ecologically-validated GBR-wide indicator for water quality: Drivers, thresholds and cumulative risks. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (110pp.).


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

Dr Catherine Collier, JCU

Final Report

Carter, A. Coles, R., Rasheed, M. and Collier, C. (2021) Seagrass communities of the Great Barrier Reef and their desired state: Applications for spatial planning and management. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (80pp.).


Project 5.5 - Measuring aesthetic and experience values using Big Data approaches

Prof Susanne Becken, GU

Technical Report

Stantic, B. and Mandal, R. (2020) Aesthetic Assessment of the Great Barrier Reef using Deep Learning. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (30pp.).

Technical Report

Le, D., Becken, S., & Whitford, M. (2020) A Cross-Cultural Investigation of the Great Barrier Reef Aesthetic Values. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (53pp.).

Technical Report

Stantic, B., Mandal, R., Chen, E. (2020) Target Sentiment and Target Analysis. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (25pp.).


Project 5.6 - Designing the Aesthetics Long Term Monitoring Program (ALTMP)

Dr Matt Curnock, CSIRO

Final Report

Curnock, M., Pert, P., Smith, A., Molinaro, G. and Cook, N. (2020) Designing an Aesthetics Long-Term Monitoring Program (ALTMP) for the Great Barrier Reef. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (82pp.).


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

Neal Cantin, AIMS

Final Report

Cantin, N. E., Klein-Salas, E., Frade, P. (2021) Spatial variability in coral bleaching severity and mortality during the 2016 and 2017 Great Barrier Reef coral bleaching events. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (64pp.).


Project 5.9 - Gully Remediation Effectiveness

Dr Rebecca Bartley, CSIRO

Final Report

Bartley, R., Hawdon, A., Henderson, A., Abbott, B., Wilkinson, S., Goodwin, N. and Ahwang, K. (2020) Quantifying the effectiveness of gully rehabilitation on water quality: results from demonstration sites in the Burdekin catchment.Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (146pp).

Technical Report

Bartley, R., Hawdon, A., Henderson, A., Wilkinson, S., Goodwin, N., Abbott, B., Bake, B., Boadle, D. and Ahwang, K. (2019) Quantifying the effectiveness of gully remediation on off-site water quality: preliminary results from demonstration sites in the Burdekin catchment (third wet season). Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (111pp.).


Project 5.10 - Development and application of automated tools for high resolution gully mapping and classification from LiDAR data

Dr Andrew Brooks, GU

Final Report

Daley, J., Stout, J.C., Curwen, G., Brooks, A.P. and Spencer, J. (2021) Development and application of automated tools for high resolution gully mapping and classification from lidar data. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (169pp.).


Project 5.11 - Improved water quality outcomes from on-farm nitrogen management

Prof Michael Bell, UQ

Final Report

Bell M.J., Webster A.J., Skocaj D., Masters B., Dowie J., Hill N., Moody P.W. (2021) Improved Water Quality Outcomes from On-Farm Nitrogen Management. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (155pp.).


Project 5.13 - Coastal wetland systems repair across GBR catchments – values based causal framework validation

Dr Nathan Waltham, JCU

Final Report

Waltham, N. J. and Canning, A. (2021) Exploring the potential of watercourse repair on an agricultural floodplain. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (69pp.).

Final Report

Canning, A., Adame, F.A. and Waltham, N. (2021) Evaluating services provided by ponded pasture wetlands in Great Barrier Reef catchments – Tedlands case study. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns (31pp.).