Bluebottle vessels to patrol marine parks over Australia Day long weekend

Bluebottle vessels to patrol marine parks over Australia Day long weekend

Unmanned marine vessels known as Bluebottles will be deployed to patrol Marine Parks between Coffs Harbour and Camden Haven over the Australia Day long weekend.
 

The 22-foot Bluebottles are powered by solar, wind and wave energy and resemble small yachts. They are equipped with 360-degree day and night infrared cameras, radar and satellite communications, allowing them to autonomously monitor designated areas for months at a time.
 

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer said the vessels will focus on detecting illegal fishing activity in Green Zones between the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the Cod Grounds Marine Park off the coast of Dunbogan.
 

“The surveillance measures help protect the plants and animal species in areas like the Cod Grounds Marine Park, which is home to many fish species, including the endangered east coast grey nurse shark, as well as squid, crabs and lobsters,” Mr Dwyer said.

“It is vitally important that fishers know exactly where Green Zones are located along our coastline. The most effective ways to do that is by checking Government Marine Park maps which show Green Zones boundaries or by using a fishing or marine navigation app that utilise zoning layers.

  “Stopping illegal fishing in Green Zones is critically important to marine conservation efforts, ecosystem health and the long-term sustainability of surrounding fisheries.

  “Illegal fishing directly undermines the purpose of these protected areas, which are designed as safe havens where marine life can recover and thrive.”
 
Mr Dwyer reminded fishers that penalties for illegal fishing in Green Zones or other no-take areas can be significant.
 

“Fines can reach up to $22,000 per breach, with potential seizure of catch, fishing gear and vehicles,” Mr Dwyer said.
 

Suspicious or illegal activity in Australian Marine Parks can be reported via the Marine Compliance Hotline on 1800 852 975 or by email at marine.compliance@environment.gov.au.