8. TAKING CARE WHEN BOATING AND ANCHORING TO AVOID DAMAGE TO WILDLIFE AND HABITAT

Boating increases the range of fishing possibilities but unskilled and thoughtless use of boats can lead to environmental damage. Taking care when boating means:

  • Showing care when boating and anchoring, particularly around reef or seagrass areas
    Avoiding disturbance to wildlife by excessive noise or harassment
    Keeping a constant vigil when boating to avoid collisions with wildlife
    Refuelling on land wherever possible and not discharging wastes, oil or sewage into the water
    Taking care with your boating speed to minimise erosion of riverbanks and shorelines from wave action
    Avoiding modification of or disturbance to fish habitat while boating and fishing.