Visitors to the Great Barrier Reef are being congratulated for doing the right thing while in the Marine Park over the recent school holidays.

Thousands flocked to the water over the two-week break to fish, camp and take advantage of being out on the Reef in the great weather.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) Director of Field Management Operations, Chris Cochrane, said he would like to thank the large numbers of fishers who helped protect the Reef by following the zoning rules when out on the water.  

“The Reef Authority worked with Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Queensland Water Police to deliver a high level of surveillance by patrol boats and surveillance aircraft, “ Mr. Cochrane said.

“On the whole the behaviour across the Marine Park was good, with people doing the right thing.

“Sadly, though there are still those recreational fishers who persist in breaking the rules and are caught fishing in green zones.  

“Several spear fishers were caught intentionally fishing within these zones, as were some recreational line fishers who thought they may be able to avoid detection at night.

“What people need to realise is the Reef Authority has a specialist team of investigators who pursue these types of deliberate attempts at illegal fishing, which can have serious impacts on fish stocks, biodiversity, and reef health.

“Whilst these offences are disappointing and negatively impacts on the health of the Reef, overall, this a low number of offences when compared to the total number of fishers who were out there enjoying the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

“We’re delighted that so many fishers are getting the message, being well prepared and aware of Marine Park Zoning, downloading the Eye on the Reef app and following the rules.”

The Eye on the Reef app, and similar tools such as GPS chart plotters allow fishers to pinpoint their location, to determine which zone they are in and the rules that apply in that zone.

The Reef Authority has a strong commitment to protecting the World Heritage Area from illegal activities and has a no tolerance approach to any form of poaching in Marine Park zones.  

Visitors to the Reef should plan their trip before leaving home using the zoning maps which are available on the Reef Authority website, free from local tackle stores, or by downloading the free Eye on the Reef app.

ENDS … 

Contact: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Media Hotline: (07) 4750 0846 | media@gbrmpa.gov.au