2 April 2009

If you’re heading out on the water around Cairns over Easter, don’t forget to pick up your free Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Map so you know where you can go and what you can do.

In particular, fishers in the northern region of the Marine Park should be mindful of brushing up on the location of Green Zones (no-take areas) offshore Cairns as fishing offences doubled there in 2008.

Cairns is among several locations in the Marine Park that continue to have more frequent occurrences of recreational fishing infringements in Green and Yellow Zones (limited line fishing).

Mick Bishop from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority said Zoning Maps were useful to keep onboard boats or in tackle boxes and should be checked regularly when out on the water.

“It’s a good idea for fishers to check their maps while out on the water to ensure they aren’t illegally fishing in areas where fishing isn’t allowed or is limited,” he said.

“We’re stepping up patrols over Easter so people should be particularly mindful that they can’t fish in Green Zones and there’s limited line fishing in Yellow Zones.

“Even people who go out on the water regularly should take time to check the activities guide on the maps to refresh their knowledge of what they can and can’t do in particular areas.

“It is important people know where they are and what the zoning is for that area, otherwise they could risk getting a fine for illegal fishing.”

Green Zones are no-take areas where extractive activities like fishing or collecting are not allowed. Anyone can enter a Green Zone to anchor and participate in activities such as boating, swimming and snorkelling.

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.

There’s limited line fishing in Yellow Zones - this means fishing with one hand-held rod or one hand-held line per person, with one hook attached to that line.

Early indications are that zoning is working and preliminary research shows fish numbers are increasing.

North Queensland scientists found a spectacular recovery in coral trout numbers on unfished reefs following the introduction of protected, no-take areas.

They found coral trout numbers rebounded by 31 to 75 per cent on a majority of reefs which had been closed to fishing for as little as 1.5 to 2 years.

Free Zoning Maps are available from bait and tackle shops, visitor information centres, ship chandlers and Environmental Protection Agency and Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol offices. Alternatively call the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 1800 990 177 for a free map.