Reef report cards

Photograph of a diver assessing the reef

Diver assessing the reef

The Reef water quality report card measures progress towards the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan targets, objectives and long-term outcome. The information in these reports determines the success of actions and identifies whether further measures need to be taken to address water quality in the Great Barrier Reef.

The report card outlines results from the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program. In the future, the Reef 2050 Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the broader Reef 2050 Plan is progressing.

There are also five regional report cards that detail local waterway conditions and report on social, cultural, economic health and stewardship indicators.

Report Card 2021 and 2022 was released in May 2024. It assesses the results of Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan actions up to June 2022. Overall, there is continued progress, especially towards the particulate nutrient targets, with slower progress towards the dissolved inorganic nitrogen and sediment targets.

Report Card 2020 was released in April 2022. It assesses the results of all Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan actions up to June 2020. Overall, progress is now around halfway towards two critical water quality improvement targets – dissolved inorganic nitrogen and sediment.

Report Card 2019 was released in February 2021. It assesses the results of all Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan actions reported up to June 2019. There has been encouraging progress, particularly at a regional and catchment level, with improved practices leading to pollutant reductions.

Report Card 2017 and 2018 was released in August 2019. It assesses the results of all Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan actions reported up to June 2018. While many landholders have improved their land management practices, the results reflect the scale of change still required to meet the water quality targets.

Report Card 2016, released in October 2017, shows better targeting of investment is resulting in less pollution flowing to the reef. It assesses the reported results of all Reef Water Quality Protection Plan 2013 actions up to June 2016.

Report Card 2015, released in October 2016, shows some positive progress towards the targets but more effort is needed. It assesses the reported results of all Reef Plan actions up to June 2015.

Report Card 2014, released in September 2015, shows landholders are continuing to help protect the Great Barrier Reef by reducing pollutant loads entering the reef. It assesses the combined results of all Reef Plan actions up to June 2014.

Report Card 2012 and 2013, released in June 2014, shows positive trends in land management practice change are translating into reductions of key pollutants.

Report Card 2011, released in July 2013, confirms that management change and water quality improvements are on a positive trajectory.

The Second Report Card (2010), released in April 2013, showed encouraging progress towards achieving Reef Plan’s goals and targets. It measures progress from the 2009 baseline up to June 2010.

The First Report Card (2009 Baseline), released in August 2011, provided the baseline.

Information about how the key indicators were measured can be found in the methods section along with information about the scoring system.