A report into the impact of dredging on the Great Barrier Reef has found its impact can differ depending on location, but there is evidence of turtles dying.
The Dredge Synthesis Report compiled by a 19-member panel of independent experts says the practice can have substantial impacts at a local level.
But its impact on the broader World Heritage area as a whole could be small.
Sediments released during the dredging and disposal process can remain in the water, it found, but recent policy changes will mean there will be much less.
The experts agreed there is evidence of very low levels of marine turtles dying during dredging excavations, which can be reduced by the use of turtle deflection devices.
More information is needed on the long-term consequences of dredging in the area, they said.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt welcomed the report and said the government was banning the disposal of capital dredge material in the marine park.
Greens environment spokeswoman Larrisa Waters said there were still knowledge gaps.
"The precautionary principle means that we should give the Reef the benefit of the doubt and not continue with mass dredging until we understand its long term impacts," she said.
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