Targets and indicators

The Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy outlines how we measure the impact of our efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The targets and indicators show how the whole system including the catchments, waterways, and the Reef work together to stay healthy.

The targets and indicators are based on the best available science and knowledge, including:

They are designed to align with the priority areas to protect and improve the Reef’s health.

Targets

Targets are set for the five main pollutants that impact the Reef:

fine sediment
dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN),
particulate nitrogen (PN)
particulate phosphorus (PP)
pesticides.

Pollutant reduction targets

The targets for fine sediment, particulate nitrogen, particulate phosphorus and dissolved inorganic nitrogen are based on the quality of water that corals and seagrass need to be healthy. The targets are expressed as specific reductions in pollutants loads caused by human activities (known as anthropogenic loads), using a 2023 baseline.

These targets are set for the whole Reef catchment (below) and for each of the 35 major catchments that drain into the Reef.

Pesticide target

The pesticide target is based on the concentrations required to protect at least 99% of aquatic species at the end of catchments. High pesticides concentrations can have serious impacts on Reef species, so this target is critical for their protection.

Improve the quality of water flowing to the Reef
1,677 tonnes reduction in anthropogenic end-of-catchment dissolved inorganic nitrogen loads	1,510 kilotonnes reduction in anthropogenic end-of-catchment fine sediment loads	2,617 tonnes reduction in anthropogenic end-of-catchment particulate nitrogen loads	1,263 tonnes reduction in anthropogenic end-of-catchment particulate phosphorous loads	Protect at least 99% of aquatic species at the end-of-catchments

Indicators

Indicators help us to track progress and show how improvements in catchment management lead to healthier waterways, landscapes, and communities. These indicators are backed by science and are proven to support better water quality outcomes.

Catchment and marine condition indicators

These indicators measure the health of ground cover, wetlands and riparian vegetation, which help to reduce rainfall run-off, erosion, and sediment loss. Coral and seagrass health are also tracked to show how better catchment management benefits the Reef.

Repair nature and landscapes to protect the Reef
Catchment condition					Marine condition
No loss of the extent of natural wetlands (lakes, swamps, and estuarine wetlands)	Improved wetland condition	The extent of woody vegetation in riparian areas is increased	Loss of woody vegetation in riparian areas is decreased	Adequate ground cover (≥70%) in the late dry season	Improved coral condition	Improved seagrass condition

Human dimensions indicators

These indicators capture the story of change as it happens. It helps us understand shifts in attitudes, behaviours, and practices among the managing land and catchments, providing early insights into why change is occurring.

Agricultural management practice and urban stewardship indicators

These indicators focus on sustainable land management practices that reduce soil erosion, nutrient run-off, and water use impacts. By fostering environmental stewardship, collaboration, and local leadership, we can encourage widespread adoption of best practices across agriculture, urban areas, and industries.

Support sustainable practices across the Reef catchment
Human dimensions Increase in capability, opportunity and motivation for stewardship to achieve water quality outcomes among agricultural landholders* and Reef communities	Management practice adoption Increase in agricultural land management practice change	Urban stewardship Increased reduction of pollutants from urban water management

*Agricultural landholders refers to those within Reef catchments; communities includes all individuals and organisations connected to the Reef

Strengthen capacity to Care for Country indicators

These indicators track how Traditional Owners are being empowered to lead and influence water quality outcomes. Increased participation in governance and use of Traditional knowledge demonstrates a shift toward more inclusive, culturally informed decision-making. Over time, growth in skills, leadership, and economic opportunities will ensure Traditional Owner involvement is sustainable and self sufficient.

Strengthen capacity to Care for Country
Increase in Traditional Owners actively participating in governance arrangements and decision making to deliver water quality outcomes	Use of Traditional Owner knowledge and skills to deliver water quality programs	Increase in long-term capacity building for groups to care for Country, supporting ongoing skills and knowledge generation	Increase in economic benefits to Traditional Owners from their participation in land, water Reef and catchment management

Strong communities and regional economies indicators

These indicators focus on building skills, partnerships, and regionally relevant programs to encourage sustainable practices across industries. This supports long-term environmental and economic benefits for the Reef and its surrounding communities.

Grow strong communities and regional economics while protecting the Reef
Number of jobs supporting catchment water quality improvement	Number of people engaged in certification and training programs	Amount of co-investment in projects	Number of sustained legacy programs

Generating and Sharing Knowledge indicators

These indicators allow us to track how effectively knowledge is being generated, shared, and used to improve water quality and support the Reef. By integrating scientific, Traditional Owner, and community knowledge, we can make informed, inclusive, and adaptable decisions that lead to better outcomes for the Reef and its communities.

Enhance and share knowledge that drives action
Increased use of the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality tools	Water quality knowledge sharing is improved