Fishers are being put on notice to check their location before casting a line after a 50-year-old Brisbane man was fined thousands in court for fishing in a green zone.
The man was caught fishing in the Tripcony Bight-Long Island green zone on the western side of Bribie Island in Moreton Bay Marine Park, which provides habitat for marine species including dugongs, dolphins and endangered sea turtles.
On 16 August 2023, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) marine park rangers were patrolling the area when they saw the man illegally fishing off the back of his boat.
The man was issued with an on-the-spot fine of $774, which he elected to have heard by a Court.
Following a Departmental investigation, the man was charged with one count of entering or using a marine park for a prohibited purpose which involved the taking of a natural resource (fishing).
On 23 July 2024, the man pleaded guilty to the offence before the Caloundra Magistrates Court. He was fined $2,500 and ordered to pay legal and court costs totalling $301.40.
Principal Ranger Steve Hoseck said there was simply no excuse for illegally fishing in a green zone.
"This court outcome is a reminder that fishers are responsible for knowing where they can and can't fish in marine parks," Ranger Hoseck said.
"QPWS has made it even easier to identify green zones and 'go slow' zones in Great Sandy and Moreton Bay marine parks thanks to our Marine Parks Southern Qld app, which is free and available for Apple and Android users.
"I'd encourage all fishers to use the app and remember to expect to see rangers at anytime, anywhere in our marine parks."
