16 April 2010

A collective fine of $210,000 for a master and crew who illegally travelled through protected areas on the Great Barrier Reef is the biggest fine under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975.

The fine for the master and two crew navigating the 189-metre bulk carrier MV Mimosa was issued in the Townsville Magistrates Court today (16 April 2010).

Ships over 50 metres are not allowed to enter protected areas on the Reef under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. The fines relate to two offences that occurred on 4 April 2010:

• Travelling through a Marine National Park (Green) Zone near Cowboys, Chicken and Lynch's Reefs
• Travelling through a Marine National Park (Green) Zone and Conservation Park (Yellow) Zone near Stanley Reef, Old Reef and Wilson's Shoal.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Chairman Russell Reichelt said it was important that everyone complies with the zoning provisions designed to protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

"The Great Barrier Reef is a natural treasure and the legislation in place to protect it is important for the future of the entire ecosystem and the communities that depend on the Reef," he said.

"This decision demonstrates the importance of the rules in place to protect the Reef, and the seriousness of breaching that legislation.

"The Marine Park is a multi-use area and shipping is a legitimate use of the area, but must be carried out in accordance with the rules and legislation."

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