Before heading out on the water this festive season, fishers are reminded to grab a free Zoning Map so they know where they can go and what they can do in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Patrols will be taking place in the Marine Park during this time so fishers should be particularly mindful of the zoning rules or risk getting a fine for illegal fishing in areas where fishing isn’t allowed or is limited.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Chairman Russell Reichelt said Zoning Maps were useful to keep on boats or in tackle boxes and should be checked regularly.

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

“If they can, fishers could consider buying a GPS to help navigate the zones as GPS is internationally-recognised as a reliable navigation tool.

“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.

"Local fishers are also reminded to not be complacent about zoning in areas they visit regularly or areas close to home."

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.

Travelling through a Green Zone with fish on board is - and always has been - allowed. It is only an offence to fish in Green Zones.

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.

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