A total of 1109 targeted compliance patrols across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in a year, has worked to protect the Reef and deter illegal activity, protect biodiversity, and uphold zoning rules.

New data released by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority shows 1273 offences were detected in 2024-25 - up 13% from the previous year - largely due to a spike in recreational fishing offences.

In a positive sign, long-term trends show overall compliance is improving and the number of offences has been in decline over the past five years.

Reef Authority Director of Compliance Chris Cochrane said joint field patrols have been delivering hands-on Reef protection across the 344,000km² Marine Park.

• “We’ve focused resources where they’re needed most—deploying vessels, helicopters, and personnel during high-risk windows when illegal activity is most likely,” Mr Cochrane said.

“By aligning patrols with weather conditions, seasonal trends, intelligence information and historical data, we’ve been able to target offenders posing the highest risk to the Reef's resilience.”

Marine Parks have been proven to protect biodiversity and boost fish stocks in open waters - delivering benefits well beyond no-take zones.

Recreational fishing accounted for 528 offences - representing a 52% rise on the previous year.  There is year-to-year variability with recreational fishing offending, and it is important to note that there has been a declining trend over the last five years.

The long-term declining trend in recreational fishing offending has been achieved through consistently high patrol efforts over the past six years (on average over 1000 days), effective patrol and targeting strategies, that include communication campaigns.

Commercial fishing offences dropped by 37% and were down 82% over five years due to coordinated enforcement and real-time vessel tracking.
The Reef Joint Field Management Program also increased its focus on illegal hunting of dugong and turtle.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director, Great Barrier Reef, Marine, Coastal & Islands, Anthony Contarino, said this success was the result of strong collaboration and investment in smart tools to reduce illegal fishing and protect marine ecosystems.

• “Protecting through partnership is important and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service partners with the Reef Authority to ensure consistent, effective management of activities across the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Contarino said.

“By working together, we can better protect the Reef’s unique biodiversity while supporting sustainable tourism and community use. 

“We can also more effectively coordinate responses to environmental threats and improve long-term conservation outcomes.”

Marine park visitors are reminded to know the marine park zones, before visiting the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Zoning information is available in many forms. Visit the Reef Authority’s website to access: Know your zones | Reef Authority

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Contact: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Media Hotline: (07) 4750 0846 | media@gbrmpa.gov.au

• Link to the media pack here that includes photos, video and interview.