Mooring b uoy, pic k-up t
ag and pick-up line. ld G ck © Q hco itc ole H Nic ovt
Fur ther inf orm ation
Fo r Que ens lan d Par ks a nd W ildl ife S erv ice ( QP WS ) enq uir ies,
ple ase v isi t us o nlin e at qld .gov .au /N ati onal Par ks
Th is b ro chu re i s also a vail ab le a
qld t
.go v.au /Par kB roc hur es
Gre at B arr ier R eef M ari ne P ark A uth ori ty
28 0 Flin der s St, T ow nsvi lle
PO B ox 1 379 , Tow nsvi lle Q ld 4 810
Ph one : 180 0 99 0 177
Emai l: in fo
@gb rm pa.g ov.a u
Web
gbr :
mpa .go v.a u
Ple ase r ep ort a ny mi sus ed o r dam age d pub lic m oor ing s
on 1 3 QG OV ( 13 7 4 68 ).
Anchor c hain s d amag
e . oral al—staghorn c cor
Chris Jones © Great Barri er Re ef Marin e Park Authority
Use moorings when available to protect the reef. Reef protection
marker
Mooring b uoy and pick-up line (abo ve).
Pic k-u p tag ( rig ht) .
Location of public moorings and no-anchoring area at Scawfell Island.
Never anchor on the reef flat inshore of reef protection markers.
*R efe r to t he m ap s insi de
fo r a gu id e to m oo rin g cod es.
Publ ic m oor ings
Pu blic m oor ing s are i nstal led a t pop ula r loc ati ons a nd
hav e blu e, co ne- sha ped b uoy s wit h a colo ur- cod ed b and .
Th is b and t ells y ou t he c las s (ve sse l len gth ) and m axi mum
win d str eng th l imi ts t hat a ppl y to t he m oor ing
*. M oor ing
spec ifi cat ions a nd co ndi tio ns of u se a re al so di spla yed o n
th e moo rin g tag a tta che d to t he p ick- up l ine .
Man y pri vat ely -o wn ed m oor ing s also e xis t wit hin t he m arin e
par ks. Y ou s hou ld o bta in t he p ermi ssi on o f th e ow ner b efo re
usi ng a p riv ate ly- ow ned m oor ing .
Use o f moo
rin gs
Wh en u sin g pub lic m oor ing s, t her e are s om e key p oin ts
to n ote .
• Pu blic m oor ing s in t he M ack ay a rea h ave a 2 4 hou
r
tim e limi t.
• Bet wee n 7am a nd 5 pm , a ves sel c ann ot o ccu py a m oor ing
for l ong er t han t he t im e limi t spec ifi ed o n th e moo rin g tag .
Th is e nsur es f air a nd e qui tab le u se.
• All p ub lic m oor ing s are a vai lab le f or o ver nig ht u se.
• Pu blic m oor ing s mus t not b e use d by m ore t han o ne
ves sel a t a tim e (te nde rs e xemp ted ), u nle ss
oth erw ise stat ed.
• Car e sho uld b e tak en t o comp ly w ith al l inf orm ati on
disp lay ed o n th e moo rin g buo y and t ag.
• It i s an o ffe nce t o rem ove , misu se o r eng age i n cond uct
th at r esu lts i n dam age t o a pub lic m oor ing .
How t o pic k up a m oori
ng
Wh en p icki ng u p a moo rin g:
• tak e not e of t he p rev aili ng w ind a nd t ides .
Ap pro ach t he m oor ing b uoy b y mot ori ng i nto t he
win d or t ide ( wh iche ver i s str ong er)
• ob ser ve t he co lou r-co ded b and o n th e buo y to e nsur e
you r ves sel i s wit hin t he s ize a nd w ind s tre ngt h
limi tat ions f or t he m oor ing
• tak e car e to a void r unn ing o ver t he p ick- up l ine w hen
appr oac hing th e m oor ing
• use a b oat h ook t o ret rie ve t he p ick- up l ine
• ob ser ve t he m oor ing t ag a tta che d to t he p ick- up l ine f or
inf orm ati on o n th e limi ts o f use
• att ach t he m oor ing e ye t o a cle at o r str ong p oin t on t he
bow o f th e ves sel .
How t o dro p a moo
rin g
Wh en d rop pin g a moo rin g:
• mot or s low ly t ow ard s th e moo rin g to s lac ken
the line slig htl y
• cas t th e moo rin g pic k-u p lin es w ell c lea r of t he v ess el
• rev ers e aw ay f rom t he m oor ing b uoy a nd l ine .
Pro tec ting cor al
Th e Gre at B arr ier R eef a nd i ts i sla nd n ati onal p ark s are h om e
to a bun dant a nd di ver se m ari ne l ife , att rac tin g th ou san ds
of v isi tor s eac h yea r. C oral s are a mon g th e mos t pop ula r
att rac tio ns, y et t hey a re t he m ost v uln era ble .
Cor al ree fs c an b e dam age d by:
• a ves sel
’s a nch or a nd c hai n dro pp ing o r dra ggi ng o n coral
• a ves sel g rou ndi ng w hen t he w ind c han ges o r th e
tide eb bs
• a cha in o r rop e wra pp ing a rou nd co ral o r bre aki ng
pie ces off.
It m ay t ake m any y ear s for co ral t o reco ver . Som e coral n eve r
ret urns t o its o rig inal co ndi tio n.
It i s an o ffe nce t o dam age c oral i n the G rea t Bar rie r
Ree f and G rea t Bar rie r Ree f Coa st m ari ne p ark s.
No-anchoring areas
The Great Barrier Reef contains many well-developed fringing reefs that are particularly vulnerable to anchor damage. To protect these highly diverse coral communities, there are areas where anchoring is not allowed. Most no- anchoring areas are marked by reef protection markers;
some are unmarked.
Reef protection markers are white, pyramid-shaped buoys with a blue label. An imaginary line joining the markers forms the boundary of the no-anchoring area.
Never anchor on the reef flat inshore of the buoys or inside the line of buoys. You can anchor directly on the beach provided there are no tidal restrictions. Please note that reef protection markers must not be used as a mooring.
(On the inside map, no-anchoring areas are called Reef Protection Areas (RPA) or Unmarked Reef Protection Areas URPA).
Pu blic m oor ing s are g ene ral ly l oca ted n ear d ryi ng
ree fs o r sho rel ine s. C are s hou ld b e tak en a ppr oac hin g
and l eav ing b uoy s, p art icul arl y wh en m oor ing i n poo r
wea th er, r ed uce d vis ibi lit y or a t nig ht.
Reef under pressure
The Great Barrier Reef is an irreplaceable icon and one of the world’s best managed marine areas. It offers visitors stunning vistas, both above and below the water, but it contains some very fragile environments which are under pressure from growing threats.
Combined, these threats weaken the resilience of the Reef and affect its ability to recover from serious disturbances, such as mass coral bleaching events, which are predicted to become increasingly frequent.
Dropping an anchor on coral can take seconds to damage or destroy it. Under ideal circumstances, it may take years for the coral to rebuild. In some cases, the coral may never return to its former glory.
By taking a little extra care when anchoring and using moorings, where available, you will help protect this diverse and remarkable natural wonder.
How can you help to protect the Reef?
By minimising your impact in the marine park, you can help the Reef withstand the stress of accumulated threats, such as climate change.
While using public moorings and anchoring away from coral are two key actions, here are some more ways you can help
#LovetheReef.
• Anonymously report suspected illegal fishing activity to 24-hour hotline: 1800 380 048 or www.gbrmpa.gov.au/
report-an-incident
• Check your zoning maps, available free at
www.gbrmpa.gov.au—know where you’re going and what’s allowed.
• Use a GPS and cross-check it with your zoning map.
• Avoid taking herbivorous fish like parrotfish, which remove seaweed and provide space for new corals to grow.
• Use and understand best snorkelling practices, such as not touching or standing on corals.
• Take all rubbish with you and put into bins on the shore.
Anchor with care
outside reef protection markers
Please ensure you follow best environmental practices when anchoring.
• Carry enough chain, or chain and line, for the water depth.
• Anchor in sand or mud away from corals.
• Motor towards the anchor while retrieving it. If the anchor is stuck, motor the vessel above and slightly ahead of the anchor before retrieval.
• Anchor far enough outside the line of reef protection markers to ensure all parts of the anchor chain and rope remain outside the line of markers should the vessel swing.
No-anchoring areas in the Mackay area, marked with reef protection markers, are located at:
• St Bees Island
• Keswick Island
• Scawfell Island
0.5 1km
Scale 0
0.5 1km
Scale 0
Public moorings and anchoring in the
Great Barrier Reef
Protecting coral in the Mackay area
©Sta te o f Q ueen sla nd 20
19. d Wil s an ark nd P sla een Qu
dlif e Ser vic
e, ence Sci nd ent a nm ro nvi of E ment art Dep
. erg e en o sav er t ap . 019 dly p ien ber 2 -fr co vem 1 No d on e 227nte BPPri y an
d res ou rce
s. ted ta ise s erw s oth les t un en nm ver d Go an nsl uee s: © Q oto Ph
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Mooring b uoy, pic k-up t
ag and pick-up line. ld G ck © Q hco itc ole H Nic ovt
Fur ther inf orm ation
Fo r Que ens lan d Par ks a nd W ildl ife S erv ice ( QP WS ) enq uir ies,
ple ase v isi t us o nlin e at qld .gov .au /N ati onal Par ks
Th is b ro chu re i s also a vail ab
t qld le a
.go v.au /Par kB roc hur es
Gre at B arr ier R eef M ari ne P ark A uth ori ty
28 0 Flin der s St, T ow nsvi lle
PO B ox 1 379 , Tow nsvi lle Q ld 4 810
Ph one : 180 0 99 0 177
Emai l: in fo
@gb rm pa.g ov.a u
Web
gbr :
mpa .gov .au
Ple ase r ep ort a ny mi sus ed o r dam age d pub lic m oor ing s
on 1 3 QG OV ( 13 7 4 68 ).
Anchor c hain s d amag
e . oral al—staghorn c cor
Chris Jones © Great Barri er Re ef Marin e Park Authority
Use moorings when available to protect the reef.
Reef protection marker
Mooring b uoy and pick-up line (abo ve).
Pic k-u p tag ( rig ht) .
Location of public moorings and no-anchoring area at Scawfell Island.
Never anchor on the reef flat inshore of reef protection markers.
*R efe r to t he m ap s insi de
fo r a gu id e to m oo rin g cod es.
Publ ic m oor ings
Pu blic m oor ing s are i nstal led a t pop ula r loc ati ons a nd
hav e blu e, co ne- sha ped b uoy s wit h a colo ur- cod ed b and .
Th is b and t ells y ou t he c las s (ve sse l len gth ) and m axi mum
win d str eng th l imi ts t hat a ppl y to t he m oor ing
*. M oor ing
spec ific ati ons a nd co ndi tio ns of u se a re al so di spla yed o n
th e moo rin g tag a tta che d to t he p ick- up l ine .
Man y pri vat ely -o wn ed m oor ing s also e xis t wit hin t he m arin e
par ks. Y ou s hou ld o bta in t he p ermi ssi on o f th e ow ner b efo re
usi ng a p riv ate ly- ow ned m oor ing .
Use o f moo
rin gs
Wh en u sin g pub lic m oor ing s, t her e are s om e key p oin ts
to n ote .
• Pu blic m oor ing s in t he M ack ay a rea h ave a 2 4 hou
r
tim e limi t.
• Bet wee n 7am a nd 5 pm , a ves sel c ann ot o ccu py a m oor ing
for l ong er t han t he t im e limi t spec ifi ed o n th e moo rin g tag .
Th is e nsur es f air a nd e qui tab le u se.
• All p ub lic m oor ing s are a vai lab le f or o ver nig ht u se.
• Pu blic m oor ing s mus t not b e use d by m ore t han o ne
ves sel a t a tim e (te nde rs e xemp ted ), u nle ss
oth erw ise stat ed.
• Car e sho uld b e tak en t o comp ly w ith al l inf orm ati on
disp lay ed o n th e moo rin g buo y and t ag.
• It i s an o ffe nce t o rem ove , misu se o r eng age i n cond uct
th at r esu lts i n dam age t o a pub lic m oor ing .
How t o pic k up a m oori
ng
Wh en p icki ng u p a moo rin g:
• tak e not e of t he p rev aili ng w ind a nd t ides .
Ap pro ach t he m oor ing b uoy b y mot ori ng i nto t he
win d or t ide ( wh iche ver i s str ong er)
• ob ser ve t he co lou r-co ded b and o n th e buo y to e nsur e
you r ves sel i s wit hin t he s ize a nd w ind s tre ngt h
limi tat ions f or t he m oor ing
• tak e car e to a void r unn ing o ver t he p ick- up l ine w hen
appr oac hing th e m oor ing
• use a b oat h ook t o ret rie ve t he p ick- up l ine
• ob ser ve t he m oor ing t ag a tta che d to t he p ick- up l ine f or
inf orm ati on o n th e limi ts o f use
• att ach t he m oor ing e ye t o a cle at o r str ong p oin t on t he
bow o f th e ves sel .
How t o dro p a moo
rin g
Wh en d rop pin g a moo rin g:
• mot or s low ly t ow ard s th e moo rin g to s lac ken
the line slig htl y
• cas t th e moo rin g pic k-u p lin es w ell c lea r of t he v ess el
• rev ers e aw ay f rom t he m oor ing b uoy a nd l ine .
Pro tec ting cor al
Th e Gre at B arr ier R eef a nd i ts i sla nd n ati onal p ark s are h om e
to a bun dant a nd di ver se m ari ne l ife , att rac tin g th ou san ds
of v isi tor s eac h yea r. C oral s are a mon g th e mos t pop ula r
att rac tio ns, y et t hey a re t he m ost v uln era ble .
Cor al ree fs c an b e dam age d by:
• a ves sel
’s a nch or a nd c hai n dro pp ing o r dra ggi ng o n coral
• a ves sel g rou ndi ng w hen t he w ind c han ges o r th e
tide eb bs
• a cha in o r rop e wra pp ing a rou nd co ral o r bre aki ng
pie ces off.
It m ay t ake m any y ear s for co ral t o reco ver . Som e coral n eve r
ret urns t o its o rig inal co ndi tio n.
It i s an o ffe nce t o dam age c oral i n the G rea t Bar rie r
Ree f and G rea t Bar rie r Ree f Coa st m ari ne p ark s.
No-anchoring areas
The Great Barrier Reef contains many well-developed fringing reefs that are particularly vulnerable to anchor damage. To protect these highly diverse coral communities, there are areas where anchoring is not allowed. Most no- anchoring areas are marked by reef protection markers;
some are unmarked.
Reef protection markers are white, pyramid-shaped buoys with a blue label. An imaginary line joining the markers forms the boundary of the no-anchoring area.
Never anchor on the reef flat inshore of the buoys or inside the line of buoys. You can anchor directly on the beach provided there are no tidal restrictions. Please note that reef protection markers must not be used as a mooring.
(On the inside map, no-anchoring areas are called Reef Protection Areas (RPA) or Unmarked Reef Protection Areas URPA).
Pu blic m oor ing s are g ene ral ly l oca ted n ear d ryi ng
ree fs o r sho rel ine s. C are s hou ld b e tak en a ppr oac hin g
and l eav ing b uoy s, p art icul arl y wh en m oor ing i n poo r
wea th er, r ed uce d vis ibi lit y or a t nig ht.
Reef under pressure
The Great Barrier Reef is an irreplaceable icon and one of the world’s best managed marine areas. It offers visitors stunning vistas, both above and below the water, but it contains some very fragile environments which are under pressure from growing threats.
Combined, these threats weaken the resilience of the Reef and affect its ability to recover from serious disturbances, such as mass coral bleaching events, which are predicted to become increasingly frequent.
Dropping an anchor on coral can take seconds to damage or destroy it. Under ideal circumstances, it may take years for the coral to rebuild. In some cases, the coral may never return to its former glory.
By taking a little extra care when anchoring and using moorings, where available, you will help protect this diverse and remarkable natural wonder.
How can you help to protect the Reef?
By minimising your impact in the marine park, you can help the Reef withstand the stress of accumulated threats, such as climate change.
While using public moorings and anchoring away from coral are two key actions, here are some more ways you can help
#LovetheReef.
• Anonymously report suspected illegal fishing activity to 24-hour hotline: 1800 380 048 or www.gbrmpa.gov.au/
report-an-incident
• Check your zoning maps, available free at
www.gbrmpa.gov.au—know where you’re going and what’s allowed.
• Use a GPS and cross-check it with your zoning map.
• Avoid taking herbivorous fish like parrotfish, which remove seaweed and provide space for new corals to grow.
• Use and understand best snorkelling practices, such as not touching or standing on corals.
• Take all rubbish with you and put into bins on the shore.
Anchor with care
outside reef protection markers
Please ensure you follow best environmental practices when anchoring.
• Carry enough chain, or chain and line, for the water depth.
• Anchor in sand or mud away from corals.
• Motor towards the anchor while retrieving it. If the anchor is stuck, motor the vessel above and slightly ahead of the anchor before retrieval.
• Anchor far enough outside the line of reef protection markers to ensure all parts of the anchor chain and rope remain outside the line of markers should the vessel swing.
No-anchoring areas in the Mackay area, marked with reef protection markers, are located at:
• St Bees Island
• Keswick Island
• Scawfell Island
0.5 1km
Scale 0
0.5 1km
Scale 0
Public moorings and anchoring in the
Great Barrier Reef
Protecting coral in the Mackay area
©Sta te o f Q ueen sla nd 20
19. d Wil s an ark nd P sla een Qu
dlif e Ser vic
e, ence Sci nd ent a nm ro nvi of E ment art Dep
. erg e en o sav er t ap . 019 dly p ien ber 2 -fr co vem 1 No d on e 227nte BPPri y an
d res ou rce
s. ted ta ise s erw s oth les t un en nm ver d Go an nsl uee s: © Q oto Ph
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Mooring buoy, pick-up tag and pick-up line.
Nicole Hitchcock © Qld Govt
Further information
For Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) enquiries, please visit us online at qld.gov.au/NationalParks
This brochure is also available at qld.gov.au/ParkBrochures Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
280 Flinders St, Townsville PO Box 1379, Townsville Qld 4810 Phone: 1800 990 177
Email: [email protected] Web: gbrmpa.gov.au
Please report any misused or damaged public moorings on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
Anchor chains damage coral—staghorn coral.
Chris Jones © Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Use m
oo rin gs w
hen tec o pro ble t ila ava
t th e ree
f. n tio tec ker f pro Reemar
Mooring buoy and pick-up line (above).
Pick-up tag (right).
Loc ation of p ublic moorings and no-anc horing ar ea at Sc awf ell Is
land. ers. ection mark prot reef shore of flat in hor on the reef Never anc
*Refer to the maps inside for a guide to mooring codes.
Public moorings
Public moorings are installed at popular locations and have blue, cone-shaped buoys with a colour-coded band.
This band tells you the class (vessel length) and maximum wind strength limits that apply to the mooring*. Mooring specifications and conditions of use are also displayed on the mooring tag attached to the pick-up line.
Many privately-owned moorings also exist within the marine parks. You should obtain the permission of the owner before using a privately-owned mooring.
Use of moorings
When using public moorings, there are some key points to note.
• Public moorings in the Mackay area have a 24 hour time limit.
• Between 7am and 5pm, a vessel cannot occupy a mooring for longer than the time limit specified on the mooring tag.
This ensures fair and equitable use.
• All public moorings are available for overnight use.
• Public moorings must not be used by more than one vessel at a time (tenders exempted), unless otherwise stated.
• Care should be taken to comply with all information displayed on the mooring buoy and tag.
• It is an offence to remove, misuse or engage in conduct that results in damage to a public mooring.
How to pick up a mooring
When picking up a mooring:
• take note of the prevailing wind and tides.
Approach the mooring buoy by motoring into the wind or tide (whichever is stronger)
• observe the colour-coded band on the buoy to ensure your vessel is within the size and wind strength limitations for the mooring
• take care to avoid running over the pick-up line when approaching the mooring
• use a boat hook to retrieve the pick-up line
• observe the mooring tag attached to the pick-up line for information on the limits of use
• attach the mooring eye to a cleat or strong point on the bow of the vessel.
How to drop a mooring
When dropping a mooring:
• motor slowly towards the mooring to slacken the line slightly
• cast the mooring pick-up lines well clear of the vessel
• reverse away from the mooring buoy and line.
Protecting coral
The Great Barrier Reef and its island national parks are home to abundant and diverse marine life, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Corals are among the most popular attractions, yet they are the most vulnerable.
Coral reefs can be damaged by:
• a vessel’s anchor and chain dropping or dragging on coral
• a vessel grounding when the wind changes or the tide ebbs
• a chain or rope wrapping around coral or breaking pieces off.
It may take many years for coral to recover. Some coral never returns to its original condition.
It is an offence to damage coral in the Great Barrier Reef and Great Barrier Reef Coast marine parks.
No- anch ori ng ar eas
Th e Gre at B arr ier R eef co nta ins m any w ell- dev elo ped
fri ngi ng r eef s th at a re p art icul arl y vu lne rab le t o anc hor
dam age . To p rot ect t hes e hig hly di ver se co ral co mmun itie s,
th ere a re ar eas w her e anc hor ing i s not al low ed . Mos t no -
anc hor ing a rea s are m ark ed b y ree f pro tec tio n mar ker s;
som e are u nm ark ed .
Ree f pr ote ctio n m ark ers are w hit e, p yra mid-s hap ed b uoy s
wit h a blu e lab el. A n im agi nar y lin e joi nin g th e mar ker s
for ms t he b oun dary o f th e no -an ch ori ng a rea .
Nev er a nch or o n th e ree f flat i nsho re o f th e buo ys o r ins ide
th e lin e of b uoy s. Y ou c an a nch or dir ect ly o n th e bea ch
pro vid ed t her e are n o tidal r est ric tio ns. P lea se n ote t hat r eef
pro tec tio n mar ker s mus t not b e use d as a m oor ing .
(O n th e ins ide m ap, n o-a nch ori ng a rea s are c alle d Ree f
Pro tec tio n Are as ( RPA ) or U nm ark ed R eef P rot ect ion
Are as UR PA ).
Public moorings are generally located near drying reefs or shorelines. Care should be taken approaching and leaving buoys, particularly when mooring in poor weather, reduced visibility or at night.
Ree f u nder pr
ess ure
Th e Gre at B arr ier R eef i s an ir rep lac eab le ico n and o ne o f
th e wor ld
’s b est m ana ged m ari ne a rea s. I t off ers v isi tor s
stu nni ng v ist as, b oth a bov e and b elo w th e wat er, b ut i t
cont ains s om e ver y fra gile e nvir onm ent s wh ich a re u nde r
pre ssu re f rom g ro win g thr eat s.
Com bin ed , th ese t hrea ts w eak en t he r esi lie nce o f th e Ree f
and a ffe ct i ts a bili ty t o reco ver f rom s eri ou s dist urb anc es,
suc h as m ass co ral b lea chi ng e ven ts, w hic h are p redic ted t o
beco me i ncr eas ing ly f req uen t.
Dro pp ing a n anc hor o n coral c an t ake s eco nd s to da mag e
or d est ro y it. U nde r ideal c ircu mst anc es, i t may t ake y ear s
for t he co ral t o reb uild . In s om e cas es, t he co ral m ay n eve r
ret urn t o its f orm er g lor y.
By t aki ng a l itt le e xtr a car e wh en a nch ori ng a nd u sin g
moo rin gs, w her e ava ila ble , you w ill h elp p rot ect t his di ver se
and rem ark able nat ural wond er.
How c an y
ou h elp t o pro
tec t
the Reef
?
By mi nimi sin g you r imp act i n th e mar ine p ark , you c an h elp
th e Ree f wit hsta nd t he s tre ss o f acc um ula ted t hrea ts, s uch
as c lima te c hang e.
Wh ile u sin g pub lic m oor ing s and a nch ori ng a way f rom co ral
are t wo k ey a cti ons , her e are s om e mor e way s you c an h elp
#Lo vethe Ree f.
• An ony mou sly r ep ort s usp ect ed i lle gal fi shi ng a cti vit y to
24- hou r hot lin
1800 e:
380 0 48
ww or
w.g brm pa.g ov.
au/
rep ort -an -in ciden t
• Ch eck y our z oni ng m aps , ava ila ble f ree a t
ww w.g brm pa.g ov.a u
—kn ow w her e you
’re g oin g and
wha t’s allo wed .
• Use a G PS a nd c ros s-c hec k it w ith y our z oni ng m ap.
• Avo id tak ing h erb ivo rou s fish l ike p arr otfi sh , wh ich
rem ove s eaw eed a nd p ro vid e spac e for n ew co ral s
to g ro w.
• Use a nd u nde rst and b est sn ork elli ng p rac tic es, s uch a s
not t ouc hin g or s tan ding o n coral s.
• Tak e all r ub bis h wit h you a nd p ut i nto b ins o n th e sho re.
Anc hor wi th c
are f pr ree side out ote
ctio n m ark ers
Ple ase e nsur e you f ollo w bes t env iron men tal p rac tic es
wh en an cho ring .
• Car ry e nou gh c hai n, o r cha in a nd l ine , for t he w ate r dep th .
• An ch or i n san d or m ud a way f rom co ral s.
• Mot or t ow ard s th e anc hor w hile r etr ievi ng i t. I f th e anc hor
is s tu ck, m oto r th e ves sel a bov e and s lig htl y ahe ad o f th e
anc hor bef ore retri eva l.
• An ch or f ar e nou gh o uts ide t he l ine o f ree f pro tec tio n
mar ker s to e nsur e all p art s of t he a nch or c hai n and r op e
rem ain o uts ide t he l ine o f mar ker s sho uld t he v ess el s win g.
No -an ch ori ng a rea s in t he M ack ay a rea , mar ked w ith r eef
pro tec tio n mar ker s, a re l oca ted a t:
• St B ees I sla nd
• Kes wic k Isl and
• Sca wfe ll Is land
0.5 1km
Scale 0
0.5 1km
Scale 0
Pub lic moorin
gs g in the Barrier R Great and anchorin
eef in the oral ecting c Prot
Mack ay a
rea
©State of Queensland 2019.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Science.
BP2271 November 2019.
Printed on eco-friendly paper to save energy and resources.
Photos: © Queensland Government unless otherwise stated
Queensl and Park s and Wildlif e Ser vic e
Mooring buoy, pick-up tag and pick-up line.
Nicole Hitchcock © Qld Govt
Further information
For Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) enquiries, please visit us online at qld.gov.au/NationalParks
This brochure is also available at qld.gov.au/ParkBrochures Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
280 Flinders St, Townsville PO Box 1379, Townsville Qld 4810 Phone: 1800 990 177
Email: [email protected] Web: gbrmpa.gov.au
Please report any misused or damaged public moorings on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
Anchor chains damage coral—staghorn coral.
Chris Jones © Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Use m
oo rin gs w
hen tec o pro ble t ila ava
t th e ree
f. n tio tec ker f pro Reemar
Mooring buoy and pick-up line (above). Pick-up tag (right).
Loc ation of p ublic moorings and no-anc horing ar ea at Sc awf ell Is
land. ers. ection mark prot reef shore of flat in hor on the reef Never anc
*Refer to the maps inside for a guide to mooring codes.
Public moorings
Public moorings are installed at popular locations and have blue, cone-shaped buoys with a colour-coded band.
This band tells you the class (vessel length) and maximum wind strength limits that apply to the mooring*. Mooring specifications and conditions of use are also displayed on the mooring tag attached to the pick-up line.
Many privately-owned moorings also exist within the marine parks. You should obtain the permission of the owner before using a privately-owned mooring.
Use of moorings
When using public moorings, there are some key points to note.
• Public moorings in the Mackay area have a 24 hour time limit.
• Between 7am and 5pm, a vessel cannot occupy a mooring for longer than the time limit specified on the mooring tag.
This ensures fair and equitable use.
• All public moorings are available for overnight use.
• Public moorings must not be used by more than one vessel at a time (tenders exempted), unless otherwise stated.
• Care should be taken to comply with all information displayed on the mooring buoy and tag.
• It is an offence to remove, misuse or engage in conduct that results in damage to a public mooring.
How to pick up a mooring
When picking up a mooring:
• take note of the prevailing wind and tides.
Approach the mooring buoy by motoring into the wind or tide (whichever is stronger)
• observe the colour-coded band on the buoy to ensure your vessel is within the size and wind strength limitations for the mooring
• take care to avoid running over the pick-up line when approaching the mooring
• use a boat hook to retrieve the pick-up line
• observe the mooring tag attached to the pick-up line for information on the limits of use
• attach the mooring eye to a cleat or strong point on the bow of the vessel.
How to drop a mooring
When dropping a mooring:
• motor slowly towards the mooring to slacken the line slightly
• cast the mooring pick-up lines well clear of the vessel
• reverse away from the mooring buoy and line.
Protecting coral
The Great Barrier Reef and its island national parks are home to abundant and diverse marine life, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Corals are among the most popular attractions, yet they are the most vulnerable.
Coral reefs can be damaged by:
• a vessel’s anchor and chain dropping or dragging on coral
• a vessel grounding when the wind changes or the tide ebbs
• a chain or rope wrapping around coral or breaking pieces off.
It may take many years for coral to recover. Some coral never returns to its original condition.
It is an offence to damage coral in the Great Barrier Reef and Great Barrier Reef Coast marine parks.
No- anch ori ng ar eas
Th e Gre at B arr ier R eef co nta ins m any w ell- dev elo ped
fri ngi ng r eef s th at a re p art icul arl y vu lne rab le t o anc hor
dam age . To p rot ect t hes e hig hly di ver se co ral co mmun itie s,
th ere a re ar eas w her e anc hor ing i s not al low ed . Mos t no -
anc hor ing a rea s are m ark ed b y ree f pro tec tio n mar ker s;
som e are u nm ark ed .
Ree f pr ote ctio n m ark ers are w hit e, p yra mid-s hap ed b uoy s
wit h a blu e lab el. A n im agi nar y lin e joi nin g th e mar ker s
for ms t he b oun dary o f th e no -an ch ori ng a rea .
Nev er a nch or o n th e ree f flat i nsho re o f th e buo ys o r ins ide
th e lin e of b uoy s. Y ou c an a nch or dir ect ly o n th e bea ch
pro vid ed t her e are n o tidal r est ric tio ns. P lea se n ote t hat r eef
pro tec tio n mar ker s mus t not b e use d as a m oor ing .
(O n th e ins ide m ap, n o-a nch ori ng a rea s are c alle d Ree f
Pro tec tio n Are as ( RPA ) or U nm ark ed R eef P rot ect ion
Are as UR PA ).
Public moorings are generally located near drying reefs or shorelines. Care should be taken approaching and leaving buoys, particularly when mooring in poor weather, reduced visibility or at night.
Ree f u nder pr
ess ure
Th e Gre at B arr ier R eef i s an ir rep lac eab le ico n and o ne o f
th e wor ld
’s b est m ana ged m ari ne a rea s. I t off ers v isi tor s
stu nni ng v ist as, b oth a bov e and b elo w th e wat er, b ut i t
cont ains s om e ver y fra gile e nvir onm ent s wh ich a re u nde r
pre ssu re f rom g ro win g thr eat s.
Com bin ed , th ese t hrea ts w eak en t he r esi lie nce o f th e Ree f
and a ffe ct i ts a bili ty t o reco ver f rom s eri ou s dist urb anc es,
suc h as m ass co ral b lea chi ng e ven ts, w hic h are p redic ted t o
beco me i ncr eas ing ly f req uen t.
Dro pp ing a n anc hor o n coral c an t ake s eco nd s to da mag e
or d est ro y it. U nde r ideal c ircu mst anc es, i t may t ake y ear s
for t he co ral t o reb uild . In s om e cas es, t he co ral m ay n eve r
ret urn t o its f orm er g lor y.
By t aki ng a l itt le e xtr a car e wh en a nch ori ng a nd u sin g
moo rin gs, w her e ava ila ble , you w ill h elp p rot ect t his di ver se
and rem ark able nat ural wond er.
How c an y
ou h elp t o pro
tec t
the Reef
?
By mi nimi sin g you r imp act i n th e mar ine p ark , you c an h elp
th e Ree f wit hsta nd t he s tre ss o f acc um ula ted t hrea ts, s uch
as c lima te c hang e.
Wh ile u sin g pub lic m oor ing s and a nch ori ng a way f rom co ral
are t wo k ey a cti ons , her e are s om e mor e way s you c an h elp
#Lo vethe Ree f.
• An ony mou sly r ep ort s usp ect ed i lle gal fi shi ng a cti vit y to
24- hou r hot lin
1800 e:
380 0 48
ww or
w.g brm pa.g ov.
au/
rep ort -an -in ciden t
• Ch eck y our z oni ng m aps , ava ila ble f ree a t
ww w.g brm pa.g ov.a u—kn ow w her e you
’re g oin g and
wha t’s allo wed .
• Use a G PS a nd c ros s-c hec k it w ith y our z oni ng m ap.
• Avo id tak ing h erb ivo rou s fish l ike p arr otfi sh , wh ich
rem ove s eaw eed a nd p ro vid e spac e for n ew co ral s
to g ro w.
• Use a nd u nde rst and b est sn ork elli ng p rac tic es, s uch a s
not t ouc hin g or s tan ding o n coral s.
• Tak e all r ub bis h wit h you a nd p ut i nto b ins o n th e sho re.
Anc hor wi th c
are f pr ree side out ote
ctio n m ark ers
Ple ase e nsur e you f ollo w bes t env iron men tal p rac tic es
wh en an ch ori ng.
• Car ry e nou gh c hai n, o r cha in a nd l ine , for t he w ate r dep th .
• An ch or i n san d or m ud a way f rom co ral s.
• Mot or t ow ard s th e anc hor w hile r etr ievi ng i t. I f th e anc hor
is s tu ck, m oto r th e ves sel a bov e and s lig htl y ahe ad o f th e
anc hor bef ore retri eva l.
• An ch or f ar e nou gh o uts ide t he l ine o f ree f pro tec tio n
mar ker s to e nsur e all p art s of t he a nch or c hai n and r op e
rem ain o uts ide t he l ine o f mar ker s sho uld t he v ess el s win g.
No -an cho rin g are as i n th e Mac kay a rea , mar ked w ith r eef
pro tec tio n mar ker s, a re l oca ted a t:
• St B ees I sla nd
• Kes wic k Isl and
• Sca wfe ll Is land
0.5 1km
Scale 0
0.5 1km
Scale 0
Pub lic moorin
gs g in the Barrier R Great and anchorin
eef in the oral ecting c Prot
Mack ay a
rea
©State of Queensland 2019.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Science. BP2271 November 2019.
Printed on eco-friendly paper to save energy and resources. Photos: © Queensland Government unless otherwise stated
Queensl and Park s and Wildlif e Ser vic e
Disclaimer: The above published positions are correct to the best of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service knowledge at July 2019. No guarantee is given that the moorings are in the location shown in the table. Vessel skippers should verify the moorings position with their own GPS equipment prior to attempting to access the moorings. Particular care should be taken in accessing the moorings in poor weather, reduced visibility or at night.
LOCATION Mooring
class Max.
vessel length
Installed latitude
GDA94 ddm Installed longitude GDA94 ddm
Roylen Bay B 20m 20° 40.322’ S 149° 08.955’ E
B 20m 20° 40.162’ S 149° 09.051’ E
Refuge Bay B 20m 20° 51.824’ S 149° 36.013’ E
C 25m 20° 51.735’ S 149° 36.104’ E
West Refuge Bay B 20m 20° 51.881’ S 149° 35.588’ E
C 25m 20° 51.860’ S 149° 35.536’ E
Homestead Bay B 20m 20° 55.939’ S 149° 25.586’ E
B 20m 20° 55.889’ S 149° 25.602’ E
C 25m 20° 55.834’ S 149° 25.607’ E
C 25m 20° 55.777’ S 149° 25.628’ E
*
*
Reef Protection Areas and Unmarked Reef Protection Areas are no-anchoring areasUsing public moorings
To protect fragile reefs in high-use areas, rules to prevent misuse of public moorings and reef protection markers are in place. While there have always been rules around the use of moorings, the rules have been updated to outline what is considered misuse of public moorings. This includes:
• exceeding time limits
• attaching more than one vessel to a public mooring
• rafting-up—attaching multiple vessels in a chain when one vessel is attached to the mooring
• altering the mooring
Instructions to vessel masters
1. Vessel masters are solely responsible for the safety of their vessel while using the public moorings.
2. A watch must be kept at all times while the vessel is on the mooring.
3. Be aware of changing weather and sea conditions and your proximity to obstacles, including coral and other vessels, and how these may be affected by mooring swing.
• not following the instructions on the mooring.
These rules are to help make sure public moorings continue to be available for everyone’s use. It’s about playing fair while out on the water. Anyone found to be misusing a public mooring or public infrastructure may be issued with a penalty infringement notice.
The appropriate use of public moorings is outlined in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 2019.
Disclaimer: The above published positions are correct to the best of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service knowledge at July 2019. No guarantee is given that the moorings are in the location shown in the table. Vessel skippers should verify the moorings position with their own GPS equipment prior to attempting to access the moorings. Particular care should be taken in accessing the moorings in poor weather, reduced visibility or at night.
LOCATION Mooring
class Max.
vessel length
Installed latitude
GDA94 ddm Installed longitude GDA94 ddm
Roylen Bay B 20m 20° 40.322’ S 149° 08.955’ E
B 20m 20° 40.162’ S 149° 09.051’ E
Refuge Bay B 20m 20° 51.824’ S 149° 36.013’ E
C 25m 20° 51.735’ S 149° 36.104’ E
West Refuge Bay B 20m 20° 51.881’ S 149° 35.588’ E
C 25m 20° 51.860’ S 149° 35.536’ E
Homestead Bay B 20m 20° 55.939’ S 149° 25.586’ E
B 20m 20° 55.889’ S 149° 25.602’ E
C 25m 20° 55.834’ S 149° 25.607’ E
C 25m 20° 55.777’ S 149° 25.628’ E
*
*
Reef Protection Areas and Unmarked Reef Protection Areas are no-anchoring areasUsing public moorings
To protect fragile reefs in high-use areas, rules to prevent misuse of public moorings and reef protection markers are in place. While there have always been rules around the use of moorings, the rules have been updated to outline what is considered misuse of public moorings. This includes:
• exceeding time limits
• attaching more than one vessel to a public mooring
• rafting-up—attaching multiple vessels in a chain when one vessel is attached to the mooring
• altering the mooring
Instructions to vessel masters
1. Vessel masters are solely responsible for the safety of their vessel while using the public moorings.
2. A watch must be kept at all times while the vessel is on the mooring.
3. Be aware of changing weather and sea conditions and your proximity to obstacles, including coral and other vessels, and how these may be affected by mooring swing.
• not following the instructions on the mooring.
These rules are to help make sure public moorings continue to be available for everyone’s use. It’s about playing fair while out on the water. Anyone found to be misusing a public mooring or public infrastructure may be issued with a penalty infringement notice.
The appropriate use of public moorings is outlined in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 2019.
Disclaimer: The above published positions are correct to the best of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service knowledge at July 2019. No guarantee is given that the moorings are in the location shown in the table. Vessel skippers should verify the moorings position with their own GPS equipment prior to attempting to access the moorings. Particular care should be taken in accessing the moorings in poor weather, reduced visibility or at night.
LOCATION Mooring
class Max.
vessel length
Installed latitude
GDA94 ddm Installed longitude GDA94 ddm
Roylen Bay B 20m 20° 40.322’ S 149° 08.955’ E
B 20m 20° 40.162’ S 149° 09.051’ E
Refuge Bay B 20m 20° 51.824’ S 149° 36.013’ E
C 25m 20° 51.735’ S 149° 36.104’ E
West Refuge Bay B 20m 20° 51.881’ S 149° 35.588’ E
C 25m 20° 51.860’ S 149° 35.536’ E
Homestead Bay B 20m 20° 55.939’ S 149° 25.586’ E
B 20m 20° 55.889’ S 149° 25.602’ E
C 25m 20° 55.834’ S 149° 25.607’ E
C 25m 20° 55.777’ S 149° 25.628’ E
*
*
Reef Protection Areas and Unmarked Reef Protection Areas are no-anchoring areasUsing public moorings
To protect fragile reefs in high-use areas, rules to prevent misuse of public moorings and reef protection markers are in place. While there have always been rules around the use of moorings, the rules have been updated to outline what is considered misuse of public moorings. This includes:
• exceeding time limits
• attaching more than one vessel to a public mooring
• rafting-up—attaching multiple vessels in a chain when one vessel is attached to the mooring
• altering the mooring
Instructions to vessel masters
1. Vessel masters are solely responsible for the safety of their vessel while using the public moorings.
2. A watch must be kept at all times while the vessel is on the mooring.
3. Be aware of changing weather and sea conditions and your proximity to obstacles, including coral and other vessels, and how these may be affected by mooring swing.
• not following the instructions on the mooring.
These rules are to help make sure public moorings continue to be available for everyone’s use. It’s about playing fair while out on the water. Anyone found to be misusing a public mooring or public infrastructure may be issued with a penalty infringement notice.
The appropriate use of public moorings is outlined in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 2019.
Disclaimer: The above published positions are correct to the best of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service knowledge at July 2019. No guarantee is given that the moorings are in the location shown in the table. Vessel skippers should verify the moorings position with their own GPS equipment prior to attempting to access the moorings. Particular care should be taken in accessing the moorings in poor weather, reduced visibility or at night.
LOCATION Mooring
class Max.
vessel length
Installed latitude
GDA94 ddm Installed longitude GDA94 ddm
Roylen Bay B 20m 20° 40.322’ S 149° 08.955’ E
B 20m 20° 40.162’ S 149° 09.051’ E
Refuge Bay B 20m 20° 51.824’ S 149° 36.013’ E
C 25m 20° 51.735’ S 149° 36.104’ E
West Refuge Bay B 20m 20° 51.881’ S 149° 35.588’ E
C 25m 20° 51.860’ S 149° 35.536’ E
Homestead Bay B 20m 20° 55.939’ S 149° 25.586’ E
B 20m 20° 55.889’ S 149° 25.602’ E
C 25m 20° 55.834’ S 149° 25.607’ E
C 25m 20° 55.777’ S 149° 25.628’ E
*
*
Reef Protection Areas and Unmarked Reef Protection Areas are no-anchoring areasUsing public moorings
To protect fragile reefs in high-use areas, rules to prevent misuse of public moorings and reef protection markers are in place. While there have always been rules around the use of moorings, the rules have been updated to outline what is considered misuse of public moorings. This includes:
• exceeding time limits
• attaching more than one vessel to a public mooring
• rafting-up—attaching multiple vessels in a chain when one vessel is attached to the mooring
• altering the mooring
Instructions to vessel masters
1. Vessel masters are solely responsible for the safety of their vessel while using the public moorings.
2. A watch must be kept at all times while the vessel is on the mooring.
3. Be aware of changing weather and sea conditions and your proximity to obstacles, including coral and other vessels, and how these may be affected by mooring swing.
• not following the instructions on the mooring.
These rules are to help make sure public moorings continue to be available for everyone’s use. It’s about playing fair while out on the water. Anyone found to be misusing a public mooring or public infrastructure may be issued with a penalty infringement notice.
The appropriate use of public moorings is outlined in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 2019.
