Water quality in the inshore Great Barrier Reef lagoon: Implications for long-term monitoring and management

► Water quality in the inshore GBR changes along gradients away from river mouths. ► The extremely variable climate is the major driver of GBR inshore water quality. ► Seasonality was obvious with higher concentrations during the summer wet season. ► Variability of water quality was mainly influenced by floods and resuspension. ► Water quality was also influenced by regional differences in land use.