Four alleged fish poachers caught red-handed illegally fishing in a no-take zone off Yeppoon face about $14,500 in fines.
Reef Authority compliance officers intercepted the vessel during a targeted night patrol in the Capricorn Bunker Group, allegedly finding fishing lines in the water and an esky containing freshly caught reef fish.
Reef Authority Compliance Director Chris Cochrane said officers approached the vessel undetected.
“Officers identified the group illegally fishing in a Green Zone at night and, after turning off their own lights, were able to pull up next to them and catch them in the act,” Mr Cochrane said.
“What illegal fishers need to understand is that just because you can’t see us, doesn’t mean we can’t see you.
“Compliance doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Our officers patrol the Marine Park day and night, on the water and from the air, to protect the Reef from illegal activity.
“If you are fishing in a Green Zone, there is a strong chance you will be caught.”
The incident comes just days after another four fishers were allegedly caught illegally fishing in a Green Zone in the southern Capricorn Bunker Group during a local fishing competition.
Mr Cochrane said patrols were carefully targeted using intelligence, weather conditions, seasonal trends and historical data.
“This allows us to identify high-risk windows for illegal activity and put our officers where they are needed most,” he said.
“Green Zones protect fish stocks, biodiversity and reef health, while also helping replenish fish populations in surrounding areas where fishing is allowed.
“Research shows these zones act as fish nurseries, with up to 60 per cent of juvenile coral trout in some fished areas coming from nearby Green Zones.
“Illegal fishing threatens those benefits and undermines the overwhelming majority of fishers who understand the rules and do the right thing.”
Fishing, collecting, crabbing, spearfishing and trolling are prohibited in Green Zones.
Fishers should check zoning maps before entering the Marine Park and use the free Eye on the Reef app to confirm their location and the rules that apply.
