Action stops ghost net haunting the sea - Home - GBRMPA · from the west coast of Cape York. ... A...

A two-tonne ghost net was hauled out of the water near Milman Island off Cape York recently, aspart of a multi-agency retrieval operation.

It took five field officers from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), Customsand the Water Police approximately nine hours to retrieve the ghost net from Christmas Reef.

Ghost nets are fishing nets that are either lost accidentally, deliberately discarded, or simplyabandoned at sea; they travel with the ocean current and can damage the environment and vessels.

Mick Bishop from the GBRMPA praised the officers’ action in retrieving the ghost net that wasreported by a trawler operator after the net became entangled in his vessel.

"This is a great example of Australian and Queensland Government agencies working together torid the marine environment of a damaging ghost net," he said.

"Removing this ghost net minimised any further risk it posed to the environment and vessels.

"This large mesh net is hundreds of metres long and weighs around two tonnes. It is believed tobe Indonesian in origin.

"There’s evidence suggesting the net caused some environmental damage before it was detected.Large quantities of fish, some coral and at least one turtle shell were entangled.

"While some ghost nets are nets that have been lost at sea, many of the nets in northernAustralian waters appear to be multi-filament nets from illegal foreign fishing vessels.

"While a range of organisations are working to address the problem and they’ve made someinroads, we’re relying on the community, particularly commercial operators in remote areas, toreport any ghost nets they come across."

Ghost nets are often nearly invisible and can be left tangled on a rocky reef or drifting in theopen sea, often partially or fully submerged.

Issue 23 • July/August 2008

DISCLAIMERWhile all efforts have been made to verify facts, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information supplied in SeaRead.

ISSN 1834-6774

Copyright Commonwealthof Australia

Please note that you are welcome to photocopy SeaRead. However, if the text is reproduced separately, it must not be altered and must acknowledge the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as the source. Illustrations must not be reused separately without permission. Please contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority if in doubt.

www.gbrmpa.gov.au

What’sinsideCustoms unmanned aircraft trial

Tourism operators keep eye out for the Great Barrier Reef

Videoconferencing gets thumbs up

Two TUMRAs accredited

Reef HQ celebrates babyboom

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Retrieving the ghost net near Milman Island was no easy task – five field officers were involved over approximately nine hours

Action stops ghost net haunting the sea

www.iyor.org

continued on page 2

SeaRead 23 Final QXP 12/7/08 2:37 PM

2The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: [email protected]

Education of our catchment communities has been a priority forthe Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority over the past couple ofmonths with a range of successfulcommunity focused activities occurring up and down the catchment.

The Reef Guardian Schools program has been going very wellsince the beginning of the year withteacher networking and planningmeetings happening at eight differentlocations. The aim is to establishstronger partnerships between theAuthority, industry, schools, andcommunities in order to provide for amore sustainable future for the Reefand its catchments. I am hoping thatthese networks will help withkick-starting local sustainability projects.

The Authority’s CommunityPartnerships Group has also beenbusy creating community links

recently with a special twist. May thisyear marked the return of theAuthority’s annual Camp Quality reeftrip. With the help of four tourismoperators, Authority staff were able tomake a special family day for morethan 120 kids and their families bytaking them out to the Reef – manyof them for the first time. The tripswere made possible thanks to stafffund-raising at the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority and the proceeds given to the Authority forwinning the Eureka Prize forBiodiversity Research in 2005.

Eye on the Reef is now the largesttourism driven coral reef monitoringprogram of its kind, and in May theAuthority supported training for 42crew members from 21 tourism operators in the Cairns and PortDouglas regions. Eye on the Reef hascontributed positively to environmental education, coral reefscience and our understanding of reef

health. The program has been madepossible through a three-way partnership with the Authority, themarine tourism industry and the reefresearch community. This program isvital at a time when the Reef’s healthis under pressure from threats, suchas declining water quality and climatechange.

The Authority’s activities over thepast month have been an excellentdemonstration of how effective partnerships can assist in both educating and helping communitieson the importance of protecting theGreat Barrier Reef.

Regards

Russell ReicheltGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority

They pose a significant threat tomarine animals as they cannot beseen in the water and entangled animals act as bait to trap otherspecies. Ghost nets can entangle andkill animals like fish, dolphins, seaturtles, sharks, dugongs and seabirds.

Ghost nets can also cause significant damage to boats if they

continued from page 1

entangle in propellers or stabilisers.This can also lead to environmentaldamage and pollution by disabledvessels that run aground.

Mick said Indigenous rangers and arange of local organisations have alsobeen proactively removing ghost netsfrom the west coast of Cape York.

Ghost nets posing a traffic or shipping hazard can be reported tothe Australian Maritime SafetyAuthority on 1800 641 792. Ghostnets found in the Marine Park can bereported to GBRMPA on (07) 3830 4919 (24-hrs).

A crane used to remove the ghost net Part of the ghost net being hauled on to the mothervessel



Customsunmannedaircraft trialAn unmanned plane is being trialled in far north Queensland tosee if the technology could be usedfor civil maritime surveillance.

The six-week trial, based atWeipa, is being run by Customsand the Border ProtectionCommand.

They will use it to assess if theunmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)could help with preventing anddetecting illegal foreign fishing,quarantine and border threats andactivities prohibited in protectedmarine areas.

Minister for Home Affairs BobDebus said the UAV flew successfully over the Gulf ofCarpentaria, Torres Strait and theGreat Barrier Reef during the trials.

"All are areas of interest to BorderProtection Command in preventingillegal foreign fishing, keeping awatch for quarantine and borderthreats and detecting prohibitedactivities in protected marineareas," he said.

"This trial will assess the suitability of UAVs to boost surveillance of critical offshore maritime areas, including the vitalTorres Strait border region and theenvironmentally sensitive GreatBarrier Reef.

"UAVs are quiet, virtually undetectable and can maintainextended surveillance of a target areaor vessel for many hours at a time."

The UAV is a mid-range 'Heron'model, measuring 8.5 metres longwith a wingspan of 16.6 metres and arange of more than 1800km.

The UAV transmits live radar, vessel information, video and photographs to a temporary groundstation in Weipa.

This information is then provided to the BPC NationalSurveillance Centre in Canberra.

The data is shared with agenciesincluding the Australian FisheriesManagement Authority and theGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority.

Responses are then mounted toany sightings of suspicious foreignor domestic vessels that may beillegally fishing, or engaged inother prohibited activities.

Piloted aircraft, helicopters andsatellite technology are alreadyavailable to help protect our borders and are in round-the-clockuse by the Command.

The Border Protection Commandwill prepare a report for government following the end ofthe trial.

Survey highlightssupport for zoningMost recreational fishers believe therezoning of the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park was a step in the rightdirection, a new survey found.

Research by Dr Stephen Suttonfrom the Fishing and FisheriesResearch Centre at James CookUniversity examined the attitudes ofrecreational fishers in Queenslandcoastal communities.

Stephen said the survey showedboth support for zoning and, in particular, support for limited linefishing in Yellow Zones.

"Most recreational fishers said theythought the rezoning was a good ideaand supported it," he said.

"Recreational fishers along theGreat Barrier Reef are certainly enthusiastic, with a majority reporting that fishing is their first orsecond most important outdoor activity.

"The survey showed consensusamong recreational fishers about the

need to protect and conserve theReef.

"Many recreational fishers arestrong supporters of Marine Parkmanagement.

"They understand that measuresthat help ensure the long-term sustainability of the Reef are centralto their ongoing enjoyment of theReef."

The research revealed support forthe limited line fishing in YellowZones, with few fishers believingYellow Zones were too restrictive.

"They believed the benefits ofrestricted commercial fishing inYellow Zones outweighed costs torecreational fishing," he said.

Stephen said the survey raisedsome interesting points relating toperceived effects of the Zoning Plan,management and consultation.

The survey showed that 77 percent of fishers agreed that protectingthe diversity of marine life was themost important goal of managingthe Reef.

It also revealed that 59 per centalso agreed the Zoning Plan was necessary for a healthy Reef.

"More than 70 per cent of fisherssaid that the Zoning Plan had eitherno overall effect, or a positive effect,on their recreational fishing activity,"he said.

"It’s clear that some groups ofrecreational fishers perceive the costsand benefits of the Zoning Plan in adifferent way than the majority.

"The results of the survey underlinethe need to continue monitoringrecreational fishers’ attitudes and perceptions in order to understandtheir views over time."

The research involved telephoneand mail surveys, targeting 13 435households within a 50km radius ofthe Marine Park.

Only people aged over 15 who hadfished in the Marine Park in the previous 12 months were interviewed; the majority were maleaged 31 to 60 years old.

The survey was funded by theMarine and Tropical SciencesResearch Facility.

The research will soon be availableonline at www.rrrc.org.au/publications/research_reports.html

UAV lifts off from Weipa airfield (photo courtesy Australian Customs)



Reef HQ’s concourse is undergoinga colourful transformation.

The walls are coming alive withan array of large and small seacreatures from the Great BarrierReef.

Reef HQ Business OperationsManager Martina Neidig said thegiant mural would help to showcase the variety of animalsfound in the Reef.

"The mural will adorn each sideof the concourse and cover an areaof approximately 300 squaremetres.

"Once completed, the projectwill provide a highly visual WOWfactor as soon as our visitors enterthe concourse."

Artist Mignon Philpot - who haspainted other murals in Brisbane,the Gold Coast and Bribie Island -is currently hard at work andexpects the work to be completedby the end of August.

Crew from Cairns and Port Douglastourism operations headed out onthe water recently to learn how tomonitor their reef tourism sites, aspart of the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA)commitment to increasing understanding of the Reef.

Forty-two crew members from 21tourism operators took part in thetraining that is part of the successfulEye on the Reef Monitoring Program.

Lorelle Schluter, Acting Directorwith the Great Barrier Reef MarinePark Authority (GBRMPA), said theEye on the Reef Monitoring Programwas the largest tourism-driven coralreef monitoring program of its kind.

"The program relies on a strongrelationship between three programpartners that include the GBRMPA,the marine tourism industry and thereef research community,” Lorellesaid.

"Since its inception, the programhas been able to contribute positivelyto coral reef science, reef health andunderstanding as well as environmental education.

"Tourism operators are our bestallies for monitoring the health ofthe Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

"They’re out on the Reef regularly,in many cases daily, and know theirsites well. They can collect long-termdata that’s invaluable for research andmanagement in assessing the long-term conditions.

"This program is vital at a timewhen the Reef’s health is under pressure from threats such as declining water quality and climatechange. We can manage the Reef better with up-to-date data on keylocations."

During the training tourism crewmembers learnt about scientificmonitoring methods and tourismoperators were provided with trainingmanuals, logbooks and monitoringequipment.

As part of the program operatorswill be asked to complile log sheetson each visit to their reef sites, listingthe conditions at their sites such as turbidity, water temperature, algae,coral diseases and bleaching as well asthe health, numbers and spawningactivity of iconic and protectedspecies.

The information is then collated bythe GBRMPA and used by MarinePark managers and scientists.

Tourism operators keep eye out for the Great Barrier ReefThe findings are regularly returned

to tourism operators and crew whocan use the data for interpretationand staff training.

The majority of tourism operatorsinvolved in the program are eco-certified or are in the process of seeking certification.

Colourful concourse comes to life

Chris Jones from Wavelength learning how to document coral condition

Mignon Philpot is transforming the concourse with her striking artwork



Videoconferencinggets thumbs upfrom overseasteachersReef HQ Aquarium’s ReefVideoconferencing has scooped a tophonour from teachers on the otherside of the world.

Reef Videoconferencing was votedone of the top three internationalcontent providers in the Teacher'sChoice Awards in the United States ofAmerica.

Teachers from across 29 differentstates in the United States and teachers from Canada voted in theawards.

GBRMPA Education andInterpretation Manager Fred Nuciforasaid teachers valued the interactiveand individually tailored content ofthe videoconferences.

"It’s fantastic to be recognised asone of the best videoconferencingcontent providers for the 2007-2008school year," he said.

"This acknowledgment recognisesthe ongoing commitment of a dedicated Education andInterpretation Team.

"Video conferencing allows students from all ages from Australiaand the world to experience thebeauty and wonder of the Reef.

"It’s a unique and very powerfulway to teach students about thisgreat natural icon and how they canhelp protect it for the future.

"The teachers were impressed withthe interactive nature of our video-conferencing, the knowledgeable presenters and the educational content of the program."

With the click of a button, state-of-the-art videoconferencing technologytransports students to the Coral Reefand Predators exhibits at Reef HQAquarium.

They have the opportunity to hearfrom an educator in a classroom styleset-up and cross live to an underwater SCUBA diver in thetanks.

In 2006-2007, 4187 students nationally and internationally participated in the videoconferencingprogram. This was up 84 per cent onthe previous year.

The 2008 Teacher's Choice Awardswere hosted by the Berrien CountyIntermediate School District (BCISD),an educational service agency basedin Michigan in the United States.

An educational game is the centrepiece of a display the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authority(GBRMPA) is rolling out for regionalshows this year.

Focussing on climate change, theeducational game aims to encouragepeople to consider the simple thingsthey can do to help protect the Reef.

GBRMPA Communication andEducation Director Karen Vohlandsaid community support was vital forthe long-term health of this natural treasure.

"Regional shows are a very important way for us to stay connected with our community andwe are delighted to again participatein these events," she said.

"This year we’ve themed our display around climate change withthe aim of providing people with

information and encouraging themto make a difference.

"Our aim is to provide the community with some simple tips onhow they can adopt best environmental practices at home,work and school in a fun and engaging way."

Some of the displays will alsoshowcase the fantastic environmentalwork from some Reef GuardianSchools.

Children will also have the opportunity to pledge their supportfor the environment by writing theirown environmental message on bandanas.

Everyone can help protect ourGreat Barrier Reef - check out thedoing your bit section on page 11 ofthis edition of SeaRead to see howyou can help.

Tristan Pye and Renee Rosse at the Bundaberg Show

Young environmentalists in theWhitsundays were recognised fortheir good work as part of theInternational Year of the Reef.

GBRMPA Chairman RussellReichelt presented the WhitsundayPCYC EcoKids with a Reef GuardianSchool Award at the 2008 YouthEnvironment Awards (YEA).

The award was a surprise twist forthe EcoKids – they had set up YEAto recognise good work in the community and weren’t expectingto be honoured themselves.

Event organiser Cap’n Dan VanBlarcom said the EcoKids believedin the importance of kids recognising groups and individualsworking to improve our environment.

"They were looking forward to presenting awards to some of theregion’s top environmental agencies," he said.

"It was a nice surprise for them toreceive an award for their own hardwork on environmental issues."

Russell said Reef Guardians fromthe Whitsunday PCYC were makinga substantial contribution to thelocal community.

"Although we recognise today’syouth as tomorrow’s future leaders,we sometimes underestimate therole of young people in shaping our present views on environmentalissues," he said.

"Children and young people playa major role in driving the adoption of environmentally sustainable behaviours withinhouseholds, schools and communities.

"More and more often, young people are encouraging their parents to adopt recycling programsand minimise their energy use.

"Using the philosophy of thinking global and acting local,the youth of the Whitsundayregion are demonstrating theirstrong commitment to improvingtheir local environment and thereby their own communities."

Young environmentalists recognised

Climate change display hits the road



Two Traditional Owner groups fromfar north Queensland pledged theirsupport for managing their sea country in the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park.

The Mamu and WuthathiTraditional Owner Groups bothsigned separate five-year TraditionalUse of Marine Resources Agreements.

The agreements outline how eachgroup will work with the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authority(GBRMPA) and QueenslandEnvironmental Protection Agency tomanage their sea country so futuregenerations can continue to enjoyand appreciate the Reef.

The agreements apply to Mamu seacountry around Innisfail andWuthathi sea country aroundShelburne Bay.

GBRMPA Chairman RussellReichelt said it was fantastic to havetwo new agreements finalised.

"We’re delighted to work with boththe Mamu and Wuthathi TraditionalOwners to formalise these agreements," he said.

"Both groups are proud of their seacountry and are actively taking stepsto ensure it is protected for thefuture.

"The agreements outline a range ofsteps to protect the Reef includingensuring sustainable take of protectedspecies.

"It also establishes partnershipsbetween Traditional Owner groupsand government, while ensuringTraditional Owners maintain theircultural connections to the Reef."

The agreements were accredited bythe Marine Park Authority Board inJune, with formal ceremonies to markthe occasion later this year.

Traditional Owners protecting the Reef

Holiday fun atReef HQReef HQ Aquarium was abuzzwith kids enjoying the school holidays and learning about theGreat Barrier Reef.

Among the activities were kidstaking the role of Reef HQAquarium detectives where theywent on a fact finding mission.

The holidays also marked another very special occasion – thetenth birthday of Reef HQ mascotLucky T.

Reef HQ Director Karen Vohlandsaid the activities were wellreceived by the community.

"Over the last 10 years, Lucky Thas become an icon in the northQueensland community," she said.

"He is very popular wherever hemakes an appearance and hashelped raise the profile of marineconservation amongst kids.

"We were delighted to celebrateLucky’s birthday during the schoolholidays so the community couldbe part of the festivities.

"The kids loved the activities,particularly the detective work.

"It was a great opportunity forthem to learn about the Reef andwhat they can do to help protectit."

Lucky T’s birthday bash included free face painting, balloon sculpting, games andprizes.

Interesting Facts

More than 5000 km2 of seagrasshabitat have been mapped so farwithin the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park. While this is animpressive area, it represents lessthan 1.5 per cent of the total areaof the Marine Park.

Dugong feed on seagrass

Accrediting the Mamu Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement

Accrediting the Wuthathi Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement



Babies visitingbabiesOver 40 children fromTownsville’s King ColeKindergarten visited Reef HQAquarium to see an abundanceof recent additions to the aquarium.

Reef HQ Aquarium EducationOfficer Duncan Forster said thekids from King Cole Kindy were experiencing a rare event, with somany new additions in the aquarium at the one time.

"The baby mania that Reef HQis experiencing is unusual but is aresult of a very healthy springbreeding season," he said.

"The change in the aquarium’swater temperature due to thewarmer spring temperatures lastyear triggered a lot of matingbehavior which has caused aboom in new arrivals.

"The staff at the aquarium arealso very proud of the aquarium’snew additions and have beendoing a fantastic job in lookingafter them."

Some of the aquariums mostrecent arrivals include: three babyolive sea snakes, dozens of baby'Nemos', one-month-old spottedseahorses, a baby epaulette sharkand four leopard sharks.

There’s been a baby boom at ReefHQ and the aquarium’s newestarrivals are three sea snakes.

Their parents are the resident olivesea snakes (Aipysurus laevis) that werefirst observed courting towards theend of last year.

The sea snake birth follows therecent boom of baby sharks, seahorses and clownfish.

Reef HQ Senior Aquarist GlennEverson said it’s been an excitingtime for both staff and visitors.

"It’s great that staff and visitorshave the opportunity to see theseanimals being born - it makes youappreciate how amazing our marinelife is," he said.

"Our olive sea snakes wereobserved courting over nine monthsago - nine months is an average gestation period for snakes of thisspecies.

"Within minutes of being bornthey went to the surface for air.

"The offspring are approximately40cm long and are fully capable oftaking care of themselves, howeverwe will also make sure they are welllooked after."

Sea snakes are a protected speciesin the Great Barrier Reef MarinePark, which means they are protected by law and need specialmanagement.

Olive sea snakes grow up to twometres long. They are venomous butthey are not considered dangerous,as they are not aggressive.

You can view the sea snakes atReef HQ Aquarium, open from9.30am to 5pm, seven days a week,every day of the year exceptChristmas Day.

Reef HQ celebrates baby boom

Sea snakes are born at Reef HQ

Baby clownfish are also on display at Reef HQ



Reef Guardian students from St Patrick’s College in Townsvilleworked hard to raise awareness ofthe impacts facing marine turtlesas part of World Turtle Day.

The students met with turtleexperts from the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority (GBRMPA) topresent a papier-maché turtle sculpture.

Made of rubbish they collected,the sculpture highlights the harmfuleffect pollution has on turtles.

GBRMPA Reef Guardian SchoolsCoordinator Megan Sperring said

Fishing classicraises money forturtlesBy Thomas Rodman from BelgianGardens State School (6M Rowes BayJunior Rangers)

On 1 June 2008, Belgian GardensState School held their first catchand release Family Fishing Classic.We had a gold coin entry fee and allmoney raised went to sea turtleresearch.

Thomas Rodman takes part in the fishing classic

It was run by the grade six RowesBay Junior Rangers and was held onthe Rowes Bay Foreshore. Fishingstarted at six o’clock in the morningand ended at nine o’clock.

During the two-hour period, about30 fish were caught. The two biggestfish were a 65-centimetre flatheadand a 1.05 metre shovel nosed ray.

"The day was awesome and the twohours went like a breeze," JasonTreloar said.

Along the grassed area above thebeach were the display tents.

Among them was one with some ofour beach tools, and another with theartworks we did on our first RowesBay Junior Rangers trip.

We also had a tent with samplebags that included a ruler, a GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park zoning map,stickers, a magnet, an activity bookand a fishing CD.

When I was fishing, I caught acrab. It looked like a big one, but itgot away before I could get it ontothe shore.

"I loved the thrill of walking downthe beach and hearing people callingout that they had caught a fish,"Abigail Bradley said.

The Fishing Classic was anextremely successful event with about240 children turning up.

the students also performed a poemand song they wrote about the plightof the world’s marine turtles.

"It is wonderful to see such committed students working on suchimportant marine issues," she said.

"These passionate young people arehelping to raise awareness about turtles and other marine animals."

Megan said turtles around theworld were under pressure fromcoastal development, marine pollution, boat strikes and fishingnets.

Students speak out for turtles"The students are encouraging

people to dispose properly of rubbishand to reduce use of plastics, whichare particularly harmful to turtles,"she said.

"They also recommend that people who live near beaches turntheir lights off at night during turtlehatching season to prevent confusing turtle hatchlings trying tomake their way to the ocean."

Lucky T makes a special visit to fishing classic



Plan launched tohelp improvewater quality The Mackay Whitsunday NaturalResource Management Group’s(MWNRM) hard work has paid offwith the launch of the region’sWater Quality Improvement Plan(WQIP) at the Mackay WhitsundayHealthy Waterways Forum recently.

Through the Water QualityImprovement Plan, authors JohnDrewry, Will Higham and CarlMitchell describe management interventions for rehabilitation of priority habitats and reduction of pollutant loads from diffuse andpoint sources.

John Drewry said if resourced andimplemented, this plan wouldimprove the water quality and ecological health of the waterways,estuaries and the Great Barrier Reefwithin the Mackay/Whitsundayregion.

"The Plan has been two years in themaking and extensive communityconsultation was undertaken toensure we have a Plan that everyonecan work with," John said.

"The WQIP establishes environmental values for protectionof aquatic ecosystems and humanuses for management areas.

"Considerable gains in water quality improvement are likely to beachieved across the region throughvoluntary and accelerated adoption ofmanagement practices in rural andurban communities."

The range of management practices, existing and emerging technologies available require industry involvement and commitment, with consultancy agencies and extension needed toachieve on-the-ground actions tomeet the water quality targets in theWQIP.

Considerable gains in ecosystemhealth are likely to be achievedthrough the targeted implementation

of a range of activities, includinginstallation of 50 fishways, rehabilitation of in-stream habitatand improved management of riparian vegetation areas.

The report is available on theMackay Whitsunday NRM Groupwebsite at www.mwnrm.com.au.

Watch out forwhalesTake care around whales and abideby approach distances – that’s themessage from the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

The call comes as whales haveappeared in the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park as they make theirannual migration from the coldersouthern oceans to warmer northernwaters.

GBRMPA Species ConservationManager Dr Mark Read said it wasimportant to abide by approach distances for both the safety ofwhales and onlookers.

"Whales are regularly seen in theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park fromMay onwards as they make theirannual migration to the warmerwaters of northern Queensland," he said.

"Whale watching regulations are inplace to safeguard whales, which area protected species in Australianwaters, from potential boat strikesand other hazards.

"The regulations are there toensure these majestic animals can goabout their usual activities withoutbeing affected by human activity. Italso gives onlookers an opportunityto catch a glimpse of the animalsfrom a safe distance.

"While whales can be social animals and may approach boats orpeople in the water, it is importantnot to approach them for both thesafety of the whales and peoplewatching them.

"An adult humpback whale isbetween 12 to 15 metres long andcan weigh up to 40 tonnes."

Legally, vessels must stay at least 100 metres away from whales in theMarine Park and 300 metres away inthe Whitsunday Whale ProtectionArea. Jet skis must stay at least 300 metres away from whalesthroughout the Marine Park.

Some simple practices peopleshould follow when boating in theMarine Park during whale season:

• Keep a lookout and avoid disturbance to mothers and their calves, especially from May to September

• Reduce your vessel speed to minimise the risk of collision in areas where whales have been sighted (travel at a constant slow speed)

• Abide by approach restrictions - vessels must stay at least 100 metres away from the animal and 300 metres away in the Whitsunday Whale Protection Area, and jet skis must stay at least 300 metres away from the animal throughout the Marine Park

• Do not get in to the water if you see a whale - if you are already in the water do not disturb, chase or block the path of a whale and if possible, return to your vessel

• If there is a sudden change in whale behaviour, move away immediately

• Report sick, injured, stranded or dead whales to the EPA Hotline 1300 130 372.

Whales in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Carl Mitchell, John Drewry and Will Higham



Camp Quality and the GreatBarrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) recently provided a special experience formore than 120 children and theirfamilies by taking them out to theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The trips that occurred offTownsville, Cairns, Airlie Beachand Yeppoon were made possiblethanks to the support of GBRMPAstaff and support of Marine Parktourism operators.

GBRMPA Chairman RussellReichelt said he was pleased theAuthority’s staff could support thereef trips, which would have created a very special family experience for the kids and theirfamilies.

"Four tourist operators - FantaseaAdventure Cruising, GreatAdventures, Sunsea Cruises andFreedom Fast Cats - assisted theAuthority and Camp Quality’sefforts to make the reef trips a success," he said.

"I am pleased with the efforts ofthe Authority’s staff in gettingbehind such a positive initiative inassisting others. Many of the staffused their own time to support thisworthwhile cause and it is great tosee the proceeds of the Eureka Prizeagain being put to good use.

"I only hope that other organisations and the public seethe example that the staff at theGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority are setting and followsuit in supporting the work undertaken by Camp Quality andother similar organisations."

Camp Quality’s NorthQueensland Area Manager LorraineDuve said the children and theirfamilies had enjoyed the reef tripsand they were thankful for the support of the Authority’s staff.

"Everyone was very excitedabout the weekend reef trips withmany experiencing the Reef for thefirst time. It’s wonderful that thishas all been made possible with thesupport of the Authority and thetourism operators," she said.

Doing it for the kids – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authorityassists Camp Quality to create a special experience

Spending time at the beach near Yeppoon

Townsville Camp Quality trip

Cairns Camp Quality trip

Airlie Beach Camp Quality trip


What topics are most of interest to you?

Climate change

Community involvement

Conservation and heritage

Field operations

Fisheries

Indigenous issues

Creature FeatureDoing your bit to look after it!

Changes to the Great Barrier Reefclimate are already impacting onplants and animals. The GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authorityis taking action to enhance the outlook for the Reef in the face ofthis threat. You can help too:

• Switch to ‘green’ electricity produced from renewable sources by contacting your energy provider

• Use energy efficient lights• Choose energy efficient

products• Turn off electrical devices such

as televisions when not in use

Brittle stars• Brittle stars (ophiurians) have

longer arms than sea stars. The arms are flexible and used for swimming.

• They do not rely on tube feet for movement and are the fastest moving of the echinoderms.

• Brittle stars are often found living under rocks during the day. When disturbed, they move quickly away using their arms in a rapid snake-like motion.

• Small species feed on drifting plankton by raising their arms into the water above them. Some large specimens have been known to feedon fish that they have caught whilethe fish were sleeping.

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Reef Guardian Councils

Reef Guardian Schools

Marine Park Partnership

Creature feature

• Turn off unnecessary lights around the house

• Refuse, reduce, re-use and recycle

• Use less hot water• Dry your clothes the natural

way, not in the dryer• Plant trees (they take up carbon

dioxide as they grow) • Heat and cool your house

efficiently• Drive less: car pool, use public

transport, walk or cycle• Spread the word to others• Offset or neutralise your

greenhouse gas emissions.

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Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority2-68 Flinders StreetPO Box 1379Townsville Qld 4810

Phone: (07) 4750 0700Fax: (07) 4772 6093Email: [email protected]

If you do not wish to receive thisnewsletter in the future or if you wouldlike to receive this newsletter via emailinstead of as a hard copy, please [email protected], or phone theGBRMPA on (07) 4750 0700.

GBRMPACalendar of

06 – 13 July 2008NAIDOC Week

Cassowary Coast LMACmeeting

contactseventsevents09 July 2008

Whitsunday LMAC meeting30 July 2008

Gladstone LMAC meeting06 August 2008

Burnett LMAC meeting07 August 2008

International Day of theWorld’s Indigenous People

09 August 2008

International Youth DayPort Douglas LMAC meeting

12 August 2008

Cairns LMAC meeting

13 August 2008

Mackay LMAC meeting

19 August 2008

Cape York LMAC meetingCapricorn Coast LMACmeeting

21 August 2008

Communication and Education GroupGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park AuthorityReply Paid 1379TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810

No stamp requiredif posted in Australia

TAP

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ETA

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TAPE HERE

TAPE HERE✄

Delivery Address:PO Box 1379TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810


Action stops ghost net haunting the sea - Home - GBRMPA · from the west coast of Cape York. ... A...

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