It has been shown that soil erosion and its effects on much of the Reef is not the acute problem some people claim. There are clearly significant local impacts from some rivers around bays and inlets. For example, as a result of erosion from Cairns, the state of water quality in Trinity Inlet is a potential problem. But further offshore there is no evidence to suggest corals are dying from terrestrial runoff.
The video, Muddy Waters, provides a look at what is happening to the inshore reef at the moment. However the blame is placed entirely on cane farmers without any reference to other causes of pollution and erosion and presents a very vague and narrow-minded viewpoint on the actual causes of this pollution and sedimentation occurring on the reefs. No specific details or statistics are given concerning the actual amounts and effects of pesticides, heavy metals and fertilisers running into the reef, except that the reef is dying. The documentary is simply too indefinite in its arguments, presenting no evidence to support the claims made.
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