11 March 2010

About 9700 ship movements of large vessels occur in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park every year, some passing close to coral reefs and ecologically sensitive areas. In recognition of the outstanding values of the Great Barrier Reef, the International Maritime Organisation has declared the entire region a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area, and the waters of the Great Barrier Reef have the most stringent management arrangements for commercial shipping of any water body in the world. The arrangements include specified areas and passages for shipping use, vessel tracking and reporting requirements.

Ships may access the Designated Shipping Area and the General Use (Light Blue) Zone without a permit when transiting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. These areas were selected considering requirement for safe navigation and environmental protection. To access all other areas, ships require a permit.

While not a common occurrence, vessels have been detected illegally transiting through protected areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from time to time, as was the case with the MV Mimosa on 4 April 2010.

Reports suggest the MV Mimosa entered the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park via Flinders Passage, east of Cape Bowling Green. If proven, the ship's passage through this area is an offence under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 which is designed to protect and conserve the environmental values of the Great Barrier Reef. The case of the MV Mimosa is presently under investigation.

The Minister for Environment Protection and the Minister for Home Affairs have confirmed that the Australian Government takes very seriously any breaches of legislation.

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