Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2006B00701:front:0:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2006B00701
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 30011–32919

is monitoring the level of use of voluntary transit lanes and observance of recommended speed limits to determine the effectiveness of these strategies.

Subdivision 3 Corals and associated biota conservation

1.19 General intent

  The Authority intends that corals and associated biota will be afforded high levels of protection, including protection from known threats such as vessel anchoring.

1.20 Corals and associated biota conservation values

  Values relating to the conservation of corals and associated biota in the Planning Area are:
 (a) the diversity of the reef systems; and
 (b) the size of the corals, especially those on the fringing reefs adjacent to the Brook Islands which are some of the oldest and largest massive corals found in the Great Barrier Reef; and
 (c) the shallow reef benthos that are supported by inshore reefs and contain a high percentage of live coral and a high species diversity.

1.21 Corals and associated biota conservation issues

  Issues relating to the conservation of corals and associated biota in the Planning Area are that:
 (a) the accessibility of the fringing reefs makes them vulnerable to damage from anchoring, diving, reef walking, fishing and collecting; and
 (b) coral and associated biota have the potential to be affected by run-off from adjacent coastal development; and
 (c) coral is most susceptible to damage in high-use areas.

1.22 Corals and associated biota conservation strategies

 (1) Damaging coral will not be permitted — however the Regulations will:
 (a) allow anchoring by the use of a lightweight reef pick if care is taken to avoid damaging coral; and
 (b) allow the collection of coral in accordance with a relevant permission.

 (2) Areas of coral reef that are most susceptible to damage and known sites for rare species will be identified as no-anchoring areas and marked by reef protection markers where appropriate.

 (3) Anchoring, including the use of diver descent lines and other facilities, will not be allowed within no-anchoring areas — however public moorings will be provided at key locations to provide for both public access and the protection of corals and associated biota.

 (4) Because the anchors of larger vessels pose a greater risk of damage to coral and other marine ecosystems, large vessels will generally not be permitted to enter a Location.  Exceptions will apply for barges servicing a resort at an intensive use setting Location, large vessels operating in accordance with an authorisation and crewed large vessel operations accessing the Dunk (Coonanglebah) Island Spit Location.

 (5) If coral damage is occurring, restrictions on access through no-anchoring areas and the addition of public moorings may be implemented through site plans.

 (6) Information about the best environmental practices, with particular emphasis on corals and associated biota, will be widely disseminated so