Fishers have been reminded to check their location before casting a line, after a man was hit with a big fine for fishing in a green zone.
The 50-year-old from Brisbane was caught fishing in the Tripcony Bight-Long Island green zone on the western side of Bribie Island in Moreton Bay Marine Park.
The area, which is between Coochin Creek and Donnybrook, is a habitat for marine species including dugongs, dolphins and endangered sea turtles.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service marine park rangers were patrolling the area in August last year 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 July 23, the man pleaded guilty to the offence before the Caloundra Magistrates Court.
He was fined $2500 and ordered to pay legal and court costs of $301.40.
Principal ranger Steve Hoseck said there was 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,” he 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.”
Learn more about Queensland marine park maps and the app here.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
