December 2004
In this Issue:

Future cyclones make a smaller splash than expected

From the CEO's desk
The future for CRC Reef

Is there really a battle for barra?

Healthy country, healthy reef

Seagrass scientists see the big picture

Spotting the difference between coral trout

Earbones hold the key to fishy secrets

Another view of science

Record minke whale sightings

Mussel mimic to prevent marine fouling

Fish study hooks gold for researcher

New Publications

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CRC Torres Strait

Tagged dugongs stay near Mabuiag Island

Torres Strait Cultural Festival

IMPAC

Peace in the Oceans

IOI (Australia) hosts second regional consultation

Visit from New Caledonia's Indigenous leaders

Spend 2005 with fishes and turtles

 

HEALTHY COUNTRY, HEALTHY REEF

The joint CRC Reef and Rainforest CRC conference, on 23-25 November, was attended by over 100 stakeholders including landholders, environmental agency representatives, local government representatives and members of the community. The first day of the conference showcased practical solutions for improving water quality in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.

Farmer Tom Watter shows specially adapted machinery to field trip participants

Cane farmer Tom Watter shows specially adapted farm machinery designed to minimise sediment and nutrient run-off to field trip participants. Photo: CRC Reef.

Catchment to Reef, the joint CRC Reef and Rainforest CRC research program, began last November. Researchers have developed valuable working relationships with stakeholders in the Wet Tropics, and the conference gave them an opportunity to discuss how the new tools developed by scientists might benefit the community.

According to Catchment to Reef program leader Professor Richard Pearson, “Now more than ever, we need to share the responsibility for improving environmental performance in productive landscapes. Scientists, industry and the community need to work together to address water quality.”

The conference promoted information exchange and spirited discussion among scientists and stakeholders. It showcased cooperative approaches and the solutions they have generated for farmers and for the environment. The Catchment to Reef program is developing new tools to assess and monitor the health of catchments and aquatic systems in the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas. These tools will enable land managers and stakeholders to improve the quality of water flowing into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

For more information see the Catchment to Reef Research pages
Or contact Catchment to Reef liaison officer Mr Tim Prior, tim.prior@jcu.edu.au