With the festive season on top of us, fishers and boaties should ensure picking up their free Zoning Map is on the top of their Christmas list.

The Christmas holidays are a perfect opportunity to get out into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and wet a line and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority encourages fishers to abide by zoning rules and take their free maps with them.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Field Management Director Mick Bishop said it was important fishers referred to their free Zoning Map to help protect the Reef.

"Fishers should check their maps when they're out on the water to make sure they are abiding by the zoning rules and not fishing illegally," he said. "Marine National Park (Green) Zones protect habitats and provide a haven for different types of marine life and it is important fishers respect these areas to protect the Reef.

"The festive season is a great opportunity to hit the water, we just hope that people are aware of zoning rules to avoid the penalties associated with fishing in no-take areas.

"Using the maps in conjunction with a reliable GPS should ensure the zoning regulations aren’t breached and allow for a great day out on the water over Christmas."

With patrols taking place in the Marine Park during this festive season, fishers should be mindful of the zoning rules and not risk getting a fine for illegal fishing in areas where fishing isn’t allowed or is limited.

Marine National Park (Green) Zones are no-take areas with fishing and collecting prohibited, however people can still anchor, swim and snorkel in these areas.

Fishing gear is allowed to be stored on a boat within a Marine National Park (Green) Zone while travelling through such a zone with fish on board is also permitted.

Fishers should be aware that only one rod or line with a single hook per person is allowed for use in Conservation Park (Yellow) Zones.

Free Zoning Map are available from bait and tackle shops, visitor information centres, ship chandlers and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol offices.  Alternatively call the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 1800 990 177 for free maps. 

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