Fishing the reef

Closed seasons (regulated waters) prevent people from fishing at certain times of the year to protect species at vulnerable times in their life cycle, such as during spawning seasons.

For the reef the closure that affects us is the Coral Fin Fish Closure which includes reef species such as coral trout.

In 2018 the closure dates are 6 October 2018 to 10 October 2018 and 5 November 2018 to 9 November 2018.

More information on the Fisheries website.

Effective July 1, 2018 the new Coral Sea Management Plan becomes effective. Members be aware that approval is required to fish all areas of the Coral Sea (subject to zoning) and that new zonings affect many areas of particular interest to our fleet including Osprey Reef.

Information about the zonings can be found at the Parks Australia Website here.

As this is a period of transition, members will be updated as systems are confirmed for fishing approvals.

The Ribbon Reefs and its adjacent areas are unique natural resource as well as important areas of reef support diverse species, including marlin.

In the 2000’s the Cairns Professional Association was integral in the fight to retain access to this fishery during the period of September to December for the giant black marlin season.  Outside of these dates, access and fishing is restricted.

For more information and complete zoning details including seasonal closures, see GBRMPA Special Zoning and Zoning Maps.