With Christmas just around the corner, locals and visitors to the Great Barrier Reef (the Reef) are being reminded to follow the rules in the Marine Park when they leave their local boat ramp.
Following a recent patrol between Edgecumbe Bay and Victor Creek, compliance officers from the Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service encountered a father and son, north of Mackay who were out on their first fishing trip since purchasing a new boat.
Reef Authority Director of Field Management Operations Chris Cochrane was informed the pair were having a family day out when the son asked to do some fishing.
“It was quite a windy day and the pair pulled in behind one of the inshore islands for some protection from the wind,” said Mr Cochrane.
“Unfortunately for them, this was a Marine National Park zone, where fishing is prohibited.”
Compliance patrols over recent months found most recreational users were aware of zoning rules across the Reef and were using some form of zoning map to plan their trip.
However, there are still those unaware that Marine Park zoning is not just offshore on the Reef, but up to the high tide on the coast as well.
“A reminder for Marine Park users that zoning rules cover the Great Barrier Reef, in some cases extend into estuaries and mangroves,” he said.
“From the moment you leave your local boat ramp you could be entering a marine park conservation zone that protects the Great Barrier Reef.
“These include the Commonwealth’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park, which runs from north of Bundaberg up to Cape York, providing protection to the state’s tidal lands and waters.”
In the Mackay region, fishers are reminded that these areas include along the shoreline such as Four Mile Beach as well as nearby islands like Acacia, Mausoleum, and Rocky.
All Marine Park users are encouraged to plan their trip before heading out, using the tools available to them. The Eye on the Reef app is GPS compatible and can assist Reef users in knowing where they can fish. This includes in coastal waters and around islands within the marine parks.
Zoning maps from your local fishing and tackle stores or downloaded from the Reef Authority website.
“Zoning rules are in place to protect the diversity of natural habitats across the Reef, and this includes nursery grounds close to shore for many popular recreational species.
“So, please remember these zones help all of us protect the Reef.”
The Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are urging Reef users to continue to help protect the Reef by only catching what is needed, keeping furry friends on boats and off the islands, and being prepared by checking the rules before they head out on the water.
ENDS …
Contact:
Reef Authority Media
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
media@gbrmpa.gov.au I (07) 4750 0846
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are partners in the Reef Joint Field Management Program: a program dedicated to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for over 40 years.