Yachties - please look after the reef! - and how to..

Reef snorkelling SW

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is calling on recreational boaties to be responsible on the water to help protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

However, this information is good to consider no matter which reef you are sailing near, anywhere in the world.

Recreational users can make a big contribution to protecting the Reef by being careful on the water, keeping an eye out for wildlife and maintaining vessels well.
 
GBRMPA's Lisha Mulqueeny said responsible practices were easy to follow and made good environmental sense.

“There are many simple steps boaties can take to ensure they have a safe time on the water and there is minimal impact on the Marine Park,” she said.

“Even an act as simple as hoisting an anchor overboard should be done with care. By anchoring well away from corals people can ensure their anchors and chains do not damage the fragile ecosystem.”

Damaged coral takes years to recover and, in some cases, the coral may never return to its former glory.

Ms Mulqueeny said recreational reef users should also consult zoning maps and report any incidents or sightings in the Marine Park.
“We encourage boaties to keep an eye out for any suspected illegal activities in the Marine Park and report it to the GBRMPA,” she said.

“Australians have one of the greatest natural areas on earth on our doorstep, and that comes with an obligation to ensure it is preserved for future generations.”

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the greatest collection of coral reefs, fish species and other unique habitats.   It covers 348 000 km2 and includes more than 2900 coral reefs, 600 continental islands and 300 coral cays.

When boating in the Marine Park
 Be on the lookout for marine animals and go slow where§ they are known to be present.
 Look out for shallow coral and take into§ account tidal changes.
 Slow down to minimum speed when approaching§ shorelines and beaches.
 Take all litter with you and responsibly dispose of§ it onshore. Collect any litter you find.
 Be considerate of others when§ anchoring or mooring nearby.

When cleaning your vessel
• Do not clean or scrub hulls on or near reefs.
• Use non-toxic, phosphate-free, chlorine-free cleaners where possible.
• Use cleaning and degreasing chemicals sparingly.
• Use non-toxic antifouling alternatives if practical  or no antifouling at all.
• Wash your vessel down regularly with a soft cloth to remove the slime layer and prevent the build-up of secondary fouling.

When maintaining your engine
• Keep your engines in good condition, fix all leaks immediately.
• Inspect fuel lines for cracks and loose connections, replace the lines before they start leaking.
• Keep a drip tray under engines.

When refuelling
• Refuel on shore wherever possible.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank.
• Have fuel absorbent material on hand to catch spills.

www.gbrmpa.gov.au