Alleged fish poachers fined during competition for 'blatant' cheating attempt

Four people have been fined around $14,500 for allegedly poaching fish from a protected "no-take" zone during a competition. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority officers caught the group during a targeted night patrol off Bundaberg, describing the act as a "blatant attempt to cheat fellow competitors out of prizes."

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This wasn't just illegal fishing. It was a blatant attempt to cheat fellow competitors out of prizes.

Compliance officer Owen Witt stated, "No prize is worth poaching for." He added that the group faces potential legal prosecution. The incident occurred in the southern Capricorn Bunker Group, a critical climate refuge within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This area is designated as a marine national park zone, where all fishing activities are strictly forbidden.

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No prize is worth poaching for.

Witt stressed that there is "no excuse" for such violations, urging participants in fishing competitions to verify zoning regulations before departing. He noted that while about two-thirds of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park remains open to fishing, the Capricorn Bunker Group is a vital sanctuary. The authority highlighted that the penalty for fishing in these zones increased on July 1, 2026, to $3,640.

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There is no excuse … if you're entering a fishing competition, you should be checking zoning before you leave the boat ramp.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority advises fishers to consult zoning information via mobile apps, online maps, or GPS devices. While fishers may transit through a green zone with catch on board, all fishing gear must be stowed and out of the water, and the catch must have been taken outside the protected area.

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Taking fish from a no-take zone shows a complete disregard for the rules, the reef and the fishing community.