2 April 2007

New boaties and anglers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with zoning in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park before heading out on the water over Easter.

The call comes as the most recent statistics from Queensland Transport reveal recreational boat registrations have increased by over 20 per cent in just over four years.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Operations Director Mick Bishop said there were now more than 67 400 boat registrations in Queensland – more than ever before.

“The data from Queensland Transport confirms boating is increasingly popular in Great Barrier Reef coastal communities and among the preferred ways to enjoy the Marine Park,” he said.

“We encourage new boaties and anglers to brush up on zoning so they know where they can go, what they can do and have a great day out on the water.”  

Mr Bishop said new boaties and anglers should be aware fishing was not allowed in Green Zones and there was limited line fishing in Yellow Zones.

“Anyone can enter a Green Zone to anchor for boating, swimming and snorkelling, and travelling through a Green Zone with fish on board is allowed,” he said.

“Stowing fishing gear on board the boat or in rod holders with a hook still attached is also allowed in a Green Zone, provided the fishing apparatus is out of the water."

Following changes to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations last year, Marine Park enforcement officers can now issue infringement notices of $1100 to recreational fishermen found illegally fishing in Green Zones.

Mr Bishop said early indications were that zoning was working and preliminary research showed fish numbers were increasing.

“Research by the Australian Institute of Marine Science on off-shore reefs from Cairns to Gladstone found coral trout is now about 50 per cent more abundant in no-take Green Zones,” he said.

“Bigger fish have more and stronger offspring. For females of some reef fish species, an increase in length of one third can lead to 200 times more egg production.

“This is important for replenishing depleted fish stocks and is essential to the biological well-being of the Reef and the industries dependant on it remaining healthy.

“Boating is one of the most popular ways to experience the Marine Park and zoning helps ensure plants and animals are protected so future generations can also enjoy this pastime as we have.”