Banned from fishing the Great Barrier Reef

Two commercial fishers convicted of multiple fishing offences inside a 10-year period have been banned from all forms of fishing in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for one year.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority says the one-year fishing ban under its 'three strikes legislation' reflects a no-tolerance approach to illegal fishing in the World Heritage Area. This follows the release of its Reef Blueprint.

The 12-month ban was issued after the commercial line fishers were convicted of multiple offences, with their repeated disregard of zoning rules inside a 10-year period.

Field management director Richard Quincey said the ban covered commercial and recreational fishing and collecting across the 344,400 square-kilometre Marine Park. Failure to comply with the ban could result in further prosecution and a fine of up to $105,000.

“This penalty emphasises the importance that’s placed on protecting no-take areas and the seriousness of these illegal fishing offences,” Mr Quincey said.

“Fishers who intentionally ignore no-take zone rules are letting down honest fishers and pose an unacceptable threat to the Reef,” Mr Quincey said.

It is well known that cumulative impacts of illegal fishing can have significant ecological impacts and threaten Reef resilience.

All Marine Park users can play their part by making sure they know and follow zoning rules, ensuring they don’t anchor on coral, and by reporting any illegal activity (anonymously) on the 24-hour hotline: 1800 380 048 or online.

“Green zones are more important than ever to support the Reef ecosystem to recover from persistent threats. Following the zoning rules is critical in this recovery, and we are supporting this by making enhanced compliance one of the cornerstones in our recently-released Reef Blueprint,” Mr Quincey said

More on Responsible Reef Practices.