One line, one hook — this is the simple practice fishers should remember when they’re out on the water fishing for grunter and threadfin salmon in a Conservation Park (Yellow) Zone.

“It’s a great time of year to be fishing for these species but anglers should be aware of and follow the zoning rules,” said Darren Cameron, manager in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

“Conservation Park Zones make up only 1.5 per cent of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and during the cooler months we’ve had increased reports of fishers not abiding by zoning rules, particularly when fishing in yellow zones.

“Yellow zones are designed to protect species biodiversity by prohibiting the use of most commercial fishing gear including large mesh and trawl nets, while still allowing limited line fishing for all fishers.    

Mr Cameron said fishers need to remember that there is no fishing in Marine National Park Zones (green zones) and that in Conservation Park Zones (yellow zones) they are restricted to using only one hook and one line per person except when trolling.

“Local fishers are lucky to have the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park as their backyard and it provides the opportunity to enjoy wonderful fishing,” he said.  
“It is important however, for everyone to respect the zoning rules so that generations to come can experience the same joys of fishing in this amazing area.

“When out on the water we encourage all fishers, including those who go out on the water regularly to cross check their location against their zoning maps or their GPS and take note of the zoning plan activity guide.”

For information on Marine Park zoning rules and what fishing apparatus constitute one line with one hook, fishers should check the back of their free Marine Park zoning map or go to our website at www.gbrmpa.gov.au .

Zoning helps to manage and protect the Marine Park we all enjoy. It was introduced to enhance the resilience and protect the diverse habitats that comprise the Great Barrier Reef while recognising the park is a multiple-use area and encouraging people to enjoy it through a range of activities, including fishing.   
If you see someone in a protected zone and not following the rules, call the hotline number on the back of zoning maps or fill out our online incident form which can be found at http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/report-an-incident