Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2008C00685:front:0:p7
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2008C00685
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 15830–18633

been demonstrated in other coral reef systems and in localised parts of the Marine Park.

 (4) Coral is most susceptible to damage in places where use is high.

 (5) User behaviour can substantially raise, or lower, the risk of individual point damage.

1.8 Strategies

 (1) Zoning protects various habitats for various purposes. The taking of coral, including damage to coral, is prohibited under the Zoning Plan without a relevant permission, unless the taking is in accordance with an accredited coral harvest fishery. However, more explicit and enforceable regulation is required.

 (2) The Authority expects that people will anchor with due care to avoid damage to coral, including by:
 (a) anchoring in sand, away from coral, if available; and
 (b) using a reef pick appropriate to the size of the vessel; and
 (c) when hauling in, motoring toward the anchor.

Note 1   See subclause 2.4 (1A) for when large vessels that are seeking protection from northerly winds may anchor in a Location.

Note 2   See information about best environmental practices on the Authority's website at http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au.

 (3) The Authority's additional strategies to reduce or eliminate the threats to coral and associated biota in the Planning Area are:
 (a) making it an offence to knowingly, recklessly or negligently damage or anchor on coral in the Planning Area (see clause 2.14); and
 (b) designating places as Reef Anchorages in Locations in the Planning Area, as listed in Schedule 8, that will:
 (i) provide for some places where reasonable access will not be inhibited by moorings; and
 (ii) encourage the use of places where damage to coral is least likely to occur; and
 (c) restricting where large vessels and ships can anchor (see clauses 2.4 and 2.5); and
 (d) managing the maximum daily levels of tourism use that relies on anchoring in the Planning Area, by:
 (i) limiting the number of tourism operations that may anchor in the Planning Area; and
 (ii) encouraging growth of new tourism operations that use moorings and pontoons.

Note 1   Taking coral includes damaging or collecting coral: see definition of taking in the Zoning Plan.

Note 2   Large vessels can access a Location if operating to a permitted mooring, pontoon or jetty.

Note 3   Reef protection markers may be installed in areas where coral damage is observed, subject to public comment.

1.9 Anchoring strategy for large vessels

 (1) When assessing a permission for a large vessel, the Authority may require the applicant for the permission to prepare an anchoring strategy for approval by the Authority. The purpose of the anchoring strategy is to minimise potential coral damage. The strategy is to be developed for sites where the applicant proposes to anchor the large vessel.

 (2) An approved anchoring strategy