Next time you thread a raw prawn onto a fishing hook, think twice – you might be unwittingly putting the Great Barrier Reef’s fragile and unique biodiversity at risk.

Imported green prawns should not be used as bait or berley in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - they have a risk of introducing exotic viruses into the marine ecosystem that could have an adverse effect on Great Barrier Reef marine life.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Executive Director John Tanzer said imported green prawns could carry exotic viruses, such as the white spot syndrome virus, that were not dangerous for human consumption but had the potential to be transferred to Australian stocks of prawns and crabs.

“If you're unsure what baits to use, follow the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries guidelines, read raw seafood labels carefully, and avoid the use of imported green (uncooked) prawns as bait or berley in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,” he said.

“The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority supports the concerns of the fishing industry and are keen to minimise the potential threat this poses to Queensland’s multi-million dollar prawn and crab fisheries.”

The transmission of disease is a serious national issue, with Biosecurity Australia currently leading a whole-of-government review of the policy and processes for importing green (uncooked) prawns.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is contributing to this review and, at the same time, promoting best practice approaches to ensure everyone can help maintain the health of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.

“We want people to enjoy fishing in the Marine Park these holidays, and encourage everyone to make sure they have their zoning maps and only use locally caught prawns as bait,” Mr Tanzer said.