July 1 D-Day for GBR Green Zones

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's (GBRMPA) Representative Areas Program (RAP) has been passed by the senate unopposed.

It is anticipated that the implementation day will be July 1, 2004, which will see 33 per cent of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park become Green Zones and off limits to all forms of fishing.

According to Laurie Wright, president of the Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association, the Regulatory Information Package that accompanies the RAP has still not been signed off but should be finalised by June 20.

"We are hoping that the Regulatory Information Package does not hold any more surprises for gamefishers and we can carry on as best we can with the new zonings in place," Wright said. "The GBRMPA have a real job ahead of themselves with the implementation of the RAP and the subsequent enforcement of the boundaries. Public awareness should now be their priority."

Keep an eye on the GBRMPA website for further updates: www.gbrmpa.gov.au.