Go slow for those below and let our coral recover this Easter

Issued: 27 Mar 2024

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is asking boaties to take extra care these Easter holidays to protect wildlife and help marine parks recover from recent bleaching events.

With thousands of boaties, jet skiers, kayakers and divers expected to get out on the water over the Easter break, QPWS Marine Park Ranger Steve Hoseck said increased marine traffic posed a risk to surface-breathing marine mammals and coral communities under stress.

“This Easter, we are asking skippers to be extra careful of where they drop anchor to avoid damaging reef systems,” Ranger Hoseck said.

“We are continuing to monitor Moreton Bay Marine Park, Great Sandy Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which are experiencing elevated water temperatures and coral bleaching.

“The best thing people can do right now to help these areas recover is to prevent any further damage to the coral, which is why we are asking boaties to slow down and check where they are dropping their anchors these holidays.”

Ranger Hoseck said the marine animals that rely on these delicate ecosystems are also vulnerable over the busy Easter period to injuries caused by boats and jet skis.

“We’re also reminding everyone out enjoying our marine parks to adhere to Go Slow Areas, which are enforced in known turtle and dugong habitat,” he said.

“Rangers patrol these areas and boaties caught on the plane in these areas could face an on-the-spot fine of $619.”

Anyone who comes across injured, stranded or dead marine wildlife should report it by calling the Department of Environment and Science on 1300 130 372.

Detailed information on Go Slow Areas is available on the Queensland Government website.