In a landmark move for ocean conservation, the Australian federal and Queensland state governments have announced plans to eliminate commercial gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef world heritage area by mid-2027. This initiative, accompanied by a substantial funding package of over $160 million, aims to establish net-free zones, protect endangered marine species, and enforce stricter data validation measures for commercial fishing vessels.
This development is the culmination of a seven-year effort led by WWF and its supporters, advocating for a Net-Free Reef to provide a safe haven for threatened marine creatures such as dugongs, inshore dolphins, and turtles, shielding them from the hazards of gillnets.
The comprehensive approach includes the buyout of gill net licenses, the creation of net-free areas in the north, the designation of hammerhead sharks as no-take species for commercial fishing, and the enforcement of independent data validation on fishing vessels.
This significant stride toward ocean conservation and fisheries management presents a global milestone. By June 2027, the envisioned Net-Free Reef could become a reality, offering marine species the freedom to navigate without the risk of entanglement in gillnets. This achievement is not only a cause for celebration but also a testament to the tireless work of WWF, which secured a 100,000 square kilometre safe haven for marine life in the northern Great Barrier Reef by obtaining the last commercial gillnet license in 2022.
As this commitment takes shape, it underscores humanity's capacity to protect and preserve the natural wonders of our world. The success of this initiative is a victory for the Great Barrier Reef, marine biodiversity, and the collective global efforts towards responsible environmental stewardship.
Source: WWF-Australia. "Australia Takes Action: Eliminating Destructive Gill Nets from Great Barrier Reef Waters". https://wwf.org.au/news/2023/australia-to-phase-out-destructive-gill-nets-from-great-barrier-reef-waters/. 5 June 2023. [Accessed: 7th June 2023[
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