Four alleged fish poachers have been caught fishing illegally in a no-take zone in the southern Capricorn Bunker Group during a local fishing competition - and now face about $14,500 in fines.
Reef Authority officers nabbed the group during targeted night patrols off Bundaberg on the weekend after detecting a recreational vessel fishing inside a Marine National Park (Green) zone.
When officers boarded the vessel, they allegedly found freshly killed reef fish - taken from waters where all fishing is banned.
Reef Authority Compliance Officer Owen Witt said the alleged behaviour would anger both competition organisers and law-abiding fishers.
"This wasn't just illegal fishing - it was a blatant attempt to cheat fellow competitors out of prizes," Mr Witt said.
"They weren't just breaking the rules, they were trying to cash in on it."
He said the matter remains under investigation and identifying details cannot be released ahead of any potential legal prosecution.
"Most fishers do the right thing. They respect the rules, the Reef and each other. These individuals allegedly chose to ignore all of that - flouting the law and trying to rort the fishing competition for personal gain.
"The Capricorn Bunker Group is one of the most important climate refuges on the southern Great Barrier Reef. Taking fish from a no-take zone shows a complete disregard for the rules, the Reef and the fishing community.
"No prize is worth poaching for."
Marine National Park (Green) Zones are strictly no-take areas where fishing, collecting, crabbing, spearfishing and trolling are prohibited.
About two-thirds of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park remains open to some form of fishing, giving recreational fishers plenty of legal places to fish.
"There is simply no excuse," Mr Witt said.
"If you're entering a fishing competition, you should be checking zoning before you leave the boat ramp.
"Don't assume you're out of sight because it's dark or remote. Our officers patrol day and night, and if you fish in a green zone, you risk being caught."
From 1 July 2026, the Commonwealth penalty unit increased to $364, meaning the infringement notice penalty for fishing or collecting in a Marine National Park (Green) Zone is now $3,640.
Fishers can travel through a green zone with fish on board if the catch was taken outside the zone and all fishing gear is stowed, secured and out of the water.
Before heading out, fishers should check zoning using the free Eye on the Reef or Qld Fishing 2.0 apps, printed or online zoning maps , or compatible GPS and chart plotter zoning layers.
Suspected illegal activity in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area can be reported to the Reef Authority's 24-hour hotline on 1800 380 048 or via its online incident report form .
When safe to do so, reports should include the vessel registration, location or GPS coordinates, date and time, and a description of the activity. People should not approach suspected offenders.
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.
