High-tech drones and targeted compliance patrols will be deployed across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to deter illegal fishing in no-take green zones over the peak summer holiday period.
New research, published in Nature, shows marine park zoning has helped to boost fish populations and coral resilience - with a positive spill-over effect of more fish stocks in waters open to fishing.
Reef Authority Acting Director of Compliance Kate Hatten said healthy fish populations are fundamental to Reef resilience.
"The difference between a no-take zone and a zone open to fishing is not habitat - it is compliance,'' Ms Hatten said.
"Decades of scientific monitoring on the Great Barrier Reef and internationally show that no-take areas consistently support more and larger fish that spill out to areas open to fishing, healthier food webs, lower coral disease, fewer crown-of-thorns outbreaks, and greater resilience and recovery after bleaching and cyclones."
Latest Reef Authority data reported 120 recreational fishing offences - over the July to September period - a similar number of offences to previous years.
The fine for illegally fishing in a green zone is $3,300.
"Most fishers follow the rules, but illegal fishing in a green zone damages its ecological function and reduces the Reef's capacity to recover from stress,'' Ms Hatten said.
"Every compliance breach carries greater consequence due to reduced recovery windows."
Reef Authority technology team leader Rachel Janes said staff have recently been trained in operating the latest long-range, hand-launched drone equipment.
"We'll be deploying drones to detect any illegal activity in high-risk areas," Ms Janes said.
"These drones can fly day or night and use thermal imagery to target offenders."
For stills/video/interviews click here: https://brandfolder.com/s/g5mcqhf6np43t9k658q7vm8
Marine Park visitors are reminded to know the marine park zones, before visiting the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Zoning information is available in many forms. Visit the Reef Authority's website to access: Know your zones | Reef Authority
Through the Reef Joint Field Management Program, the Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service work together to protect the Great Barrier Reef's protected areas. The program tackles immediate threats like illegal fishing while strengthening the Reef's resilience to long-term pressures such as climate change. Compliance is central to this work, delivered through a comprehensive enforcement program.
