Marine Compliance Operation underway at Solitary Islands and Cod Grounds Marine Parks

If you're planning on heading out fishing during the Easter school holidays, make sure you’re aware of where you’re casting your line - getting caught fishing in a green zone could cost you.

Parks Australia will be ramping up monitoring of illegal fishing activities in the Solitary Islands and Cod Grounds Marine Parks located off the coast of Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. They’ll be using an innovative tool to assist with compliance - a cutting-edge Autonomous vessel known as a Bluebottle.

These 22-foot, yacht-like vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art 360-degree day/night infrared cameras, radar, and satellite technology. This impressive tech provides marine park compliance officers with real-time information on illegal fishing activities, ensuring that those who break the rules are swiftly identified. The Bluebottle is just one of many high-tech tools being deployed to protect these precious marine ecosystems.

The Solitary Islands and Cod Grounds Marine Parks are home to unique and diverse habitats, including vulnerable species such as the eastern grey nurse shark, loggerhead turtle, and vibrant coral formations. These stunning marine parks play an essential role in the conservation of these incredible species and their fragile environments.

Stay informed and report suspicious activity

For information on the zoning of Solitary Islands and Cod Grounds Marine Parks, see the Temperate East Management Plan or download the FishSmart App. More information on Australian Marine Park zones is detailed in How we manage marine parks.

If you see any suspicious activity - like fishing where it’s not allowed - don’t hesitate to report it. You can call the reporting hotline at 1800 852 975 or email Marine.Compliance@dcceew.gov.au. Your vigilance plays a crucial role in protecting our marine treasures!