Wastewater Pollution on Coral Reefs: Supporting Science Synthesis

This report synthesizes the current science on wastewater pollution and coral reefs to inform decision-making and policy globally, providing supporting science for a UNEP Science-to-Policy brief and the Global Wastewater Initiative. It reviews sources of wastewater from urban, agricultural and industrial activities, the delivery of nutrients, sediments, pesticides, trace metals, hydrocarbons, industrial organochlorines and emerging contaminants, and their effects on reef ecosystems and resilience in the context of climate change and ocean acidification. Drawing on international case studies, it evaluates management options, regulatory approaches, watershed management and long-term monitoring to reduce pollution and support coral reef resilience through integrated management.