Targeted compliance patrols in high-risk areas of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area have detected a four-fold increase in recreational fishing offences over three years, report the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

In 2014–15, 538 recreational fishing offences were reported, representing the highest annual number recorded. The incidences were among 1161 reported breaches of Commonwealth and state laws in the World Heritage Area for the year, covering a variety of offences, the vast bulk were zoning breaches by recreational fishers.

Recreational fishing offences during 2014–15 included:

• Townsville–Whitsunday region: 181 line fishing offences and 21 spearfishing offences 
• Mackay–Capricorn region: 152 line fishing offences 
• Cairns–Cooktown region: 114 line fishing offences and 40 spearfishing offences

“About 99 percent of the recreational fishing offences relate to line fishing and spearfishing in protected areas such as green and yellow zones. We’ve also seen more fishers intentionally target shipwrecks and shoals in green zones at night,” said Richard Quincey GBRMPA general manager of Great Barrier Reef operations.

This has resulted in an increase of night-time vessel and aircraft patrols of high-risk locations during high risk periods which has resulted in multiple detections of illegal fishing activity. 

“We are also looking into more advanced night vision equipment for patrol officers and vessels,” said Quincey.

Supporting strong compliance is local fishing charter business operator Lynton Heffer. “We have to be absolutely squeaky clean.  It doesn’t surprise me they’re doing it [illegal fishing] in the night.

“Rules are the rules and laws are the law,” is the advice Heffer would give to any illegal fishers.

Understanding the importance of keeping our fisheries sustainable for the future is paramount for fishers.

“Commercial and recreational fishers who intentionally target green zones are letting down those who follow the rules - even a relatively small amount of illegal fishing can have serious ecological impacts,” said Mr Quincey.

Patrols targeting illegal fishing and other activities in the World Heritage area are conducted through a multi-agency program that includes GBRMPA, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol, Queensland Police and Maritime Border Command.