New research has shown fish abundance has increased in Green Zones introduced under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003.

Preliminary results indicate the Green Zones established in mid-2004 in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are having a positive effect even faster than scientists expected.

The monitoring was initiated by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) as part of the monitoring of the Zoning Plan and was carried out by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook University (JCU).

GBRMPA’s Regional Liaison Manager based in Townsville David Briggs said the AIMS Long-term Monitoring Team surveyed fish populations on the mid and outer shelf reefs in the Townsville region.

“Preliminary results from the offshore reefs have shown that an important fish species, coral trout, is now more abundant in the ‘no-take’ Green Zones,” Mr Briggs said.

AIMS Research Director Dr Peter Doherty said in the last 12 months AIMS surveyed fish populations on 26 reefs closed to fishing by the rezoning and 25 matched reefs that remained open to fishing. The surveys represent five geographic regions adjacent to coastal communities between Cairns and Gladstone.

“Although five reefs in the Townsville region will not be surveyed until September 2006, preliminary results based on seven reefs that have been done in the region show about twice as many coral trout on the unfished reefs.”

“Because we have seen a similar improvement in coral trout stocks in all the regions surveyed, we believe that this is a real result,” Dr Doherty said.

“It is exciting to see such clear results within two years of the Green Zones being implemented.”

Tackle World Townsville owner Danny Brooks said over the last two years the number and size of grunter has increased considerably in the local area.

“The Sand Island at Bowling Green Bay was once a hot spot for catching grunter and although this area is now a ‘no catch’ zone we have experienced some very good grunter fishing over the past two years outside of this zone.”