Insta-unworthy moments: Fisher pinged over social media posts
A perfectly Instaworthy backdrop for your social media posts sometimes can come at great costA boater who thought the Great Barrier Reef would form the perfect backdrop for his social media accounts has had to pay very dearly for the experience.
The bloke filmed himself fishing and camping in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and then posted the vision online. He is now probably regretting the publicity after copping a string of fines from the state’s Environment and Science Department.
The filmmaker has already copped nine separate fines after departmental officers reviewed the footage and alleged that he’d fished in green zones – removing anything from the water in these areas is banned – and camped unlawfully in marine national parks.
But there may be a sting in the tail yet, with departmental officers reviewing more footage to see if the filmmaker can be slapped with more fines.
According to the department, the man “made and uploaded multiple videos across four months, travelling by boat throughout the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and various coastal islands”.
“While the videos provide stunning visuals of remote locations, it’s clear there’s been a total disregard for marine park green zones and national park rules,” the Queensland Environment and Science Department said in a statement posted online.
“Rangers have reviewed several videos to determine the amount of noncompliance and will continue to work through each video. Further fines may be issued if more breaches are detected.”
Big fines
The penalty for fishing in a green zone in the marine park is a fine of up to $2100, while camping on a beach in the marine park attracts a fine of $226.
“Green zones are in place to protect biodiversity, help ensure the continued existence of the unique species and habitat, and provide greater protection for threatened species,” the department said.
“They provide the greatest level of protection in the marine park, with all forms of take (fishing, collecting or extracting) prohibited.”
Late last year, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority stepped up its efforts to deter illegal fishing and help protect the marine environment by increasing the number of day and night compliance patrols across the reef.
Zoning maps are available via the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website, while suspected illegal activity can be reported to a free 24-hour hotline on 1800 380 048, or via an online reporting service.
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