With the start of the school holidays, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is reminding boaties to brush up on zoning before heading out on the water.

GBRMPA Operations Director Mick Bishop said there were a number of Australian and Queensland Government agencies patrolling the Marine Park.

“We are expecting a busy time on the water over the school holidays and urge boaties and anglers to consult free zoning maps and take their map with them,” he said.

Compliance and monitoring is conducted by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol, Customs National Marine Unit, Queensland Water Police, and the GBRMPA.

Coastwatch also provide surveillance along the entire length of the Marine Park by chartering vessels and aircraft from ports in the area.

Mr Bishop said it was important for boaties and anglers to familiarise themselves with the legislation and the different guidelines governing Green, Yellow and Blue Zones.

“The zones help to protect the biodiversity and ecology of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding marine ecosystems. Strong penalties apply for breaches to Marine Park legislation,” he said.

“We want everyone to have a great time so make sure you know where you can go and what you can do and take care when out on the water.”

Free zoning guides and maps are widely available from bait and tackle shops, visitor information centres, ship chandlers and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol offices. Alternatively boaties can contact the GBRMPA on 1800 990 177 for a free map.