The study by scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University and the University of Queensland used a variety of new and improved techniques to analyse ten years of satellite data of the water clarity in the reef waters off the Burdekin coast.
By removing the variability in water clarity caused by waves and other physical forces, the researchers were able to detect what particular influence river run-off has on reef.
The photosynthetic algae that live on corals and which gives coral reefs their vibrant colours are reliant on the Sun to survive.
Sea grasses - important food for mammals and fish - are also dependent on the Sun and a high level of sediment in the water can damage them or kill them by blocking the Sun's rays.
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Sedimentation can also physically block other marine organism's ability to breathe. Marine plants and animals are highly sensitive to changes in water quality.
The research provides a vital link between the understanding of how land use influences river loads of nutrients and fine sediments and the current scientific knowledge of the importance of water clarity for marine organisms.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres over an area of about 344,400 square kilometres.