Marine parks
Marine parks established over tidal lands and waters protect and conserve the values of the natural marine environment while allowing for its sustainable use. They protect habitats including mangrove wetlands, seagrass beds, mudflats, sandbanks, beaches, rocky outcrops and fringing reefs.
Park boundaries can be established over tidal lands and waters up to the highest astronomical tide. The parks include the subsoil below and airspace above their boundaries, and the plants and animals within them.
Australia's first marine park was established in 1937 at Green Island, with the second declared over Heron and Wistari reefs in 1974.
The three State marine parks in Queensland are:
Legislation
The Marine Parks Act 2004 (PDF)* commenced on 31 August 2006, together with the Marine Parks Regulation 2006 (PDF)* and Marine Parks (Declaration) Regulation 2006 (PDF)*.
Fishing in marine parks
Fishing is prohibited in some marine park zones. Some marine parks are adjacent to terrestrial and island national parks and, depending on the zoning, fishing in these waters may also be prohibited.
Please contact your local QPWS office or consult the relevant zoning plan for information on fishing restrictions in these areas.
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Last updated: 22 February 2007