For commercial net fishermen about minor netting changes in DPA Bs (Dugong Protection Areas) information sheet

Abstract

The amendments to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 are designed to give greater protection to dugong in and around headland areas, by restricting the use of set mesh nets in certain parts of particular DPA B areas, [Species Conservation (Dugong Protection) Special Management Areas (SMAs), which are known as Dugong Protection SMAs]. The changes are a technical amendment to clarify long-standing existing netting rules, by providing clear definitions of areas around headlands where the use of offshore set nets is prohibited to reduce the risk of incidental catch to dugong. They have been included with a larger package of amendments that are required to implement recent (2008) amendments to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975.