GBR Draft Zoning Plan released

On June 2, 2003 the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) released its Draft Great Barrier reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 (The Draft Zoning Plan) for public comment as part of the second formal phase of community participation for the Representative Areas Program (RAP).

The Draft Zoning Plan provides a single consistent Zoning Plan for the entire Marine Park including the 28 new coastal sections, which were added to the Marine Park between 2000 and 2001.

The gamefishing community as a whole is outraged at the proposed 'Green Zones' which exclude all forms of fishing, including non-extractive forms such as tag and release of migratory pelagic species.

According to the Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association (CPGFA), if the proposed Green Zones were to be implemented it would destroy the Cairns heavy-tackle black marlin fishery.

Many of the reefs which are fished every year by the Cairns fleet are earmarked as Green Zones. Reefs like Carter, Yonge, and No.10 right down to Opal will be out of bounds to anglers.

It's not just the Cairns and Lizard Island fleet that will be affected either. Boats running out of Townsville, the Whitsundays and as far down as Fraser Island will be dramatically restricted by the new Green Zones.

Laurie Wright, President of the Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association had this to say about the Draft Zoning Plan: "Community concern for this proposed plan has been extremely high, and emotions have been vented in lots of arenas. One charter operator is selling his home so that he will be debt free if this plan is implemented, and since June 2, businesses right up and down the coast are seeing a downturn in trade.

"Anglers from all over the world who have dreamed of fishing the Great Barrier Reef and all the famous spots such as 'Heartbreak' and 'Second Corner' will be disappointed if they cannot access these famous marlin fishing spots. It's a bit like coming to Australia just to see Ayers Rock, and the bus doesn't go any further than Alice Springs." The International Game Fish Association's Mike Leech said, "By proposing the closure of large areas of the reef which is of vital importance to sportfishers, the GBRMPA is thumbing its nose at the recreational anglers who spend millions of dollars each year by telling them to 'go away, we don't need you.' It is highly recommended that you make a submission to the GBRMPA concerning the Draft Zoning Plan. And you don't have much time. Submissions close August 4, 2003.

Submissions can be made in writing by mail to, RAP Submissions, PO Box 2184, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia. Or by fax on +61 (07) 4772 6093, email: rapsubmissions@gbrmpa.gov.au or electronically at www.gbrmpa.gov.au

Your submission, together with all other available information, will be taken into account in the review of the Draft Zoning Plan. A revised Zoning Plan will then be submitted to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Heritage, before being tabled in both the Houses of Commonwealth Parliament.

Only when the Plan has been through the Parliamentary process and a date chosen by the Minister for the Zoning Plan to take effect, will any changes 'on the water' occur.