Australian Scientists Install Sensors on Great Barrier Reef to Monitor Water Quality

Researchers from Australia’s CSIRO, as part of the AquaWatch Australia Mission, have deployed specialized sensors on the Great Barrier Reef to monitor water quality. This initiative aims to create a world-leading water quality monitoring system using sensors and satellite data.

The sensors, installed in the southern part of the reef, will track sediment and dissolved organic carbon flow from rivers and bays into the reef. Advanced modeling and artificial intelligence will be used to predict sediment flows and pinpoint areas for potential interventions.

Maintaining water quality is crucial for the reef’s biodiversity, as excessive sediment can block sunlight, impacting marine plant life and, subsequently, the entire ecosystem. The project is vital for supporting the management and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef, which faces significant threats due to climate change.