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Mooring and Anchoring

In the more sensitive northern part of this central group of islands the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority have placed moorings for the use of the boating fraternity. In many of these areas anchoring close to, or within a designated area is strictly prohibited. If a public mooring is not available, boats will need to find an alternate area in which to anchor away from sensitive areas. In any event, when anchoring, it is important to locate coral beds, both to prevent damage to these beds, and to prevent the anchor from being fouled on a coral bed, thereby preventing it from being retrieved. Polaroid sunglasses are a great help when seeking an area in which to anchor, as they will highlight the coral from the surrounding seagrass and sand areas. So by exercising caution when anchoring, you not only prevent damage to the coral beds in the area, but reduce the likelihood of running aground on coral causing extensive damage to the boat or having the boat swing during the night and come into contact with coral beds that may be 30 or 40 metres away from where there you originally anchored.

Effluent

The vessels that you charter from Coral Reef Charters are all fitted with holding tanks, which will hold effluent and toilet waste whilst you are anchored in sensitive areas. This waste can then be disposed of, whilst you are travelling, preferably in the Whitsunday passage, where the water is quite deep and as a result of the large amount of boating traffic, is regularly turned over. Additionally, there is a very bare minimum of coral reef beds or other bodies within this passage that will be damaged by the introduction of effluent.

Rubbish Disposal

Of course, disposal of rubbish can, and should be done in just one-way, and that is to retain all food scraps and rubbish within the vessel until you return to port and then dispose of it in the correct garbage facilities made available at that port. Anyone caught disposing of rubbish directly into the waterway, will be subject to very large fines and have their charter terminated by the rangers employed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Some people believe that you can tip certain rubbish, such as prawn and oyster shells back into the sea as these are natural products of the sea, and will be quickly devoured by marine life in the area. However, there are some species on which these foodstuffs have a deadly effect. For this reason, we ask that all food scraps be maintained on board the vessel until you can responsibly dispose of them on your return to port.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in certain spots. However, the use of stainless steel hooks is forbidden. All tackle should be mild steel, if lost it will rust and dissolves fairly quickly, rather than remain in the area as a constant risk to marine life. A map can be obtained from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which will indicate the areas where fishing is permitted. It will also indicate which areas are off limits to fishing and those areas are absolutely sacrosanct.

Isolating Certain Areas

It has been further suggested that the answer to the ongoing destruction of the reef is to isolate certain areas completely from tourism thus preserving the Reef in pristine condition for future generations. To a large extent, this is already happening with floating hotels and snorkelling areas being established. This concentrates the bulk of tourism within a very small area of only several hundred metres in diameter. A truly significant achievement. When you consider that the Reef extends for more than 1600 miles and extends almost 20 miles from the coast, to be able to isolate areas of less than one tenth of one square mile for the mass use of tourists is an illustration of the intensity that reputable operators apply to preservation.

Runoff

It is this writer's opinion that in terms of water quality, by far the greatest damage is being done to the Reef by rainwater washing off fertilisers and untreated effluent from homes in the area during heavy rain, which occurs for approximately three months of the year. Until the wash off from crops, and the untreated effluent from homes, is controlled then it is the writer's opinion that no further restrictions can legitimately be applied to small boats. The boating fraternity are an easy target of envy but in reality it is the explosion of housing on some islands that pose the greatest threat.