Qld floods to impact reef's marine animals

The recent Queensland floods have led to runoff into the Great Barrier Reef, which could impact seagrass and in turn lead to green turtles and dugongs dying.

Floods can lead to a dramatic increase in deaths of green turtles on the Great Barrier Reef. (AAP)

Green turtles and dugongs who call the Great Barrier Reef home could die as a consequence of the recent Queensland floods, a Senate committee has heard.

Acting chief executive officer of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Bruce Elliot said the influx of water into the reef could lead to freshwater bleaching events and impact seagrass.

Previous severe weather events have led to the "dramatic increase" in mortality rates of green turtles and dugongs - who feed on seagrass - and the authority is monitoring the health of the marine creatures, Mr Elliot told a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Monday.