Review of documentary "Muddy Waters" on sedimentation on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

MUDDY WATERS by Sally Ingleton (Shown 20th May on SBS) The documentary Muddy Waters provides an insight into the sedimentation on the Great Barrier Reef between Cairns and Townsville and how it is destroying the reef. However, though the movie does try to portray opposing sides of the debate as to what is causing this sedimentation, many fundamental issues to the problem have been avoided or underplayed. The video stated heavy metals as one of …

…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.