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Moreton Bay Marine Park

  • Nature, culture and history

    • Park alerts and park summary

    Getting there and getting around

    Moreton Bay Marine Park can be reached from coastal towns between Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast to Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast.

    The islands of Moreton Bay can be reached by private boat, barge or water taxi. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    Some of the barge landings, boat ramps and commercially operated tours are wheelchair accessible. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Park features

    Moreton Bay Marine Park was first declared in 1993 to protect its unique values and high biodiversity while still allowing people to use it. The marine park covers 3400sq.km and stretches 125km from Caloundra to the Gold Coast. It takes in most of the bay’s tidal waters, including many river estuaries and extends seawards to the limit of Queensland waters. The landward boundary is generally the line of highest astronomical tide.

    Moreton Bay Marine Park protects a range of marine and coastal environments including rocky shores, internationally significant wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows and sandy beaches. These habitats provide important seasonal resources for migratory wading birds, humpback whales and marine turtles. Permanent resident species include dolphins, dugong, shorebirds, grey nurse sharks and various fish species.

    Marine Park zones and designated areas

    Zoning plan

    The Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 2008 is the primary tool used to manage the marine park and is supported by public awareness campaigns, signs, permits, compliance, routine surveillance and scientific monitoring.

    Zoning plans balance the use and conservation of a marine park. The Moreton Bay zoning plan divides the park into zones that consider special management requirements of specific areas and allocate a range of permissible activities. It states the activities that require a permit in each zone. If an activity is not listed in a zone as permissible or requiring permission it is prohibited.

    Zones

    There are four zones in Moreton Bay Marine Park.

    Marine national park (green) zones

    Like a national park in the water these areas are “look, but don’t take” areas of high conservation value. Anyone can enter and undertake activities such as boating, snorkelling and sailing. All forms of fishing, collecting or extracting are prohibited.

    Conservation park (yellow) zones

    Allow a range of recreational and commercial uses and limited fishing and crabbing, but activities that might harm or interfere with habitat and wildlife are prohibited.

    Habitat protection (dark blue) zones

    Protect sensitive habitats by keeping them free from potentially damaging activities. No trawling can occur in these zones.

    General use (light blue) zones

    Provide for conservation and allow a range of activities including trawling.

    See the quick guide to activities below for activities that are allowed in each zone. The entry and use guide also provides a guide to activities allowed in each zone, those that require a permit and those that are prohibited.

    Designated areas

    Designated areas help manage specific issues that occur at specific locations in the marine park. The rules that apply to designated areas are in addition to zoning rules, not instead of them.

    There are nine types of designated areas in Moreton Bay Marine Park. Four of these relate to recreational and commercial use of the park. The other five, which relate to activities such as dredging and works, can be found in the zoning plan.

    Go slow areas for turtles and dugong

    Go slow areas for turtles and dugong protect turtles and dugong from boat strike, which is a major threat. In these areas:

    Go slow areas for turtles and dugong (vessels >8m)

    Go slow areas for turtles and dugong (vessels >8m) address the issue of larger vessels striking turtles and dugong in southern Moreton Bay. In these areas vessels larger than 8m are restricted to a speed limit of 10 knots or less.

    Go slow areas for natural values

    Go slow areas for natural values protect the natural integrity of a location for all marine park users to appreciate and enjoy the undisturbed values and beauty of an area.
    In these areas:

    No anchoring areas

    No anchoring areas protect sensitive reef habitats from anchor damage.
    In these areas:

    Grey nurse shark areas

    Three grey nurse shark areas help conserve one of Australia’s most endangered marine species. Restrictions apply to activities such as diving. These areas are located within marine national park (green) zones where fishing is prohibited.

    Read more about the grey nurse shark.

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Camping is available in these nearby parks:


    Other accommodation

    There is a range of holiday accommodation on the mainland in and around Caloundra, Redcliffe, Cleveland and the Gold Coast. Accommodation is also available on several islands in Moreton Bay including Bribie Island, Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, South Stradbroke Island, Coochiemudlo Island, Lamb Island and Russell Island. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Things to do

    Boating and fishing

    The marine park offers excellent boating and fishing in the sheltered waters of the Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay and the ocean beaches of Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island. Read more about boating safety and things you should do when boating to look after the park. See below for information on things to know before you go.

    Guided tours and talks

    Several commercial operators run tours that cater for activities such as whale watching, diving, fishing and sightseeing. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Viewing wildlife

    Beaches, sandbanks and mudflats are important areas for shorebirds (wading birds and seabirds). More than 40,000 migratory wading birds visit each September to April and Moreton Bay is internationally recognised as a Ramsar site for its importance to the survival of these birds. At least 32 species of migratory waders have been recorded in the park, including eastern curlews, grey-tailed tattlers, red-necked stints, ruddy turnstones, bar-tailed godwits and sandpipers.

    Whale watching is popular in Moreton Bay from June to September. To ensure the whales’ safety — and that of the people around them — strict regulations apply. While in the vicinity of whales, skippers and passengers on recreational craft must adhere to whale watching rules and guidelines.

    To keep you, the whales and your vessel safe:

    Several commercial tour operators offer whale watching cruises. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    When out in your boat keep watch for green turtles, loggerhead turtles and hawksbill turtles, dugong and the bay’s two resident dolphin species; the bottlenose dolphin and the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin.

    Other things to do

    Several areas within the marine park are popular for diving and snorkelling. Enjoy the experience and leave only bubbles.

    Things to know before you go

    Quick guide to activities

    Boating

    Boating is largely unrestricted in the marine park, however boat operators must:

    Jet skis and other personal watercraft (PWC)

    In the zoning plan jet skis are considered vessels and the same rules apply. Operators must:

    Motorised water sports

    In the go slow areas for turtles and dugong and natural values, vessels (including PWC) cannot undertake motorised water sports. This includes:

    Time limits

    Time limits apply on anchoring in the marine park — anchoring more than 14 consecutive days, or more than 30 days in any period of 60 days, in one area requires a permit.

    A two hour time limit applies to public moorings in the marine park.

    Recreational fishing, crabbing, bait gathering and netting


    Line fishing and trolling

    Allowed in all zones except marine national park (green) zones where it is prohibited.  

    Limited to two lines each and a total of two hooks per angler in conservation park (yellow) zones.

    Crabbing

    Allowed in all zones except marine national park (green) zones where it is prohibited.  

    Limited to four crab pots per person in conservation park (yellow) zones.

    Bait gathering

    (taking by hand or hand-held implement only)

    Allowed in all zones except marine national park (green) zones where it is prohibited.

     

     

    Limited spearfishing

    (spearfishing that does not include the use of a power-head, firearm, light or underwater breathing apparatus — other than a snorkel)

    Allowed in all zones except marine national park (green) zones where it is prohibited.

    Netting

    Allowed in all zones except marine national park (green) zones where it is prohibited.  

    Bait netting is the only type of netting allowed in conservation park (yellow) zones.


    Permits and fees

    Marine park permits are important for the management of Moreton Bay Marine Park. Through the permit process the EPA can place conditions on certain activities, separate conflicting activities, limit the impacts on high-use and sensitive areas, collect data and encourage responsible behaviour. The zoning plan states activities that can occur without specific permission and those that require a permit. Marine park permits are required for most commercial or high impact activities including:

    Before undertaking any activity in the marine park check the zoning plan to determine whether a marine park permit is required. Issuing a permit is not automatic, each application is considered on its merits.

    If in any doubt about whether a permit is required, contact the EPA for assistance.

    When applying for a permit, an information pack containing background material and an application form will be sent.

    Essentials to bring

    Opening hours

    The park is open 24 hours a day.

    Pets

    Pets are allowed on vessels in the marine park, but are prohibited in all national parks. Dogs are prohibited on beaches and intertidal areas where a marine park is adjacent to a national park. In other areas dogs must be controlled or restrained so they do not disturb shorebirds. It is recommended that you leave pets at home or keep them aboard the boat.

    Climate and weather

    Moreton Bay Marine Park has a mild, subtropical climate. The average daily temperature range is 22–30°C in summer and 12–22°C in winter. For more information see the tourism information links below. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available in coastal towns from Caloundra to the Gold Coast. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Staying safe


    Looking after the park

    Plan your visit

    Make sure you are familiar with the entry and use provisions for the marine park zone you are entering.

    Organise your gear

    Prepare and check your gear. Organise a bucket or bin with lockable lids to stow rubbish. Transfer bait and foodstuff to reusable containers. Use biodegradable cleaners for hygiene. Invest in high quality fishing gear — cheap line, nets and pots break easily and increase the chance of them being lost or abandoned. Bring cans rather than bottles.

    Stow it … don’t throw it!

    Help keep Moreton Bay Marine Park beautiful. If you ship it in, ship it out. Marine wildlife will ingest fragments of rope, plastic bags and fishing line. These are not digested and cause a slow painful death.

    Fish for the future

    The natural resources of Moreton Bay are coming under increasing pressure from people. To help conserve fish stocks take only what you need and leave the rest for another day.

    Check the activities guide and fishing information to ensure you are familiar with marine park restrictions on fishing activities.

    Other fishing restrictions occur in Moreton Bay. For more information contact the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol.

    Take care when anchoring

    Take special care when anchoring — fragile seagrass and coral habitats are easily damaged by anchors. Anchoring is prohibited at Flinders Reef, Flat Rock and Myora marine national park zones. Outside these areas:

    Where there are no approved moorings anchoring limits apply to prevent damage to seagrass, coral and bottom-dwelling animals and to manage pollution and vessel numbers.

    Bait gathering

    Moreton Bay’s sandbanks and mudflats are sources of bait, but these areas are also home and food for fish, crabs, birds, turtles and dugong.

    Restoring the seagrass, mud, or sand after bait digging helps ensure sediment stabilisation and allows regrowth of seagrass beds.

    Report incidents promptly

    Report marine pollution, including oil, diesel and sewage spills to Maritime Safety Queensland.

    Report the following incidents to the Environmental Protection Agency:

    Report illegal fishing activities or marine wildlife trapped in shark nets to the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

    Look out for shorebirds

    Every summer many wading birds feed on the rich food reserves in Moreton Bay. In April they leave to fly thousands of kilometres to breed in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Each time these birds are disturbed by people, dogs or vehicles they waste valuable energy reserves. This makes flying to breeding grounds and producing healthy young more difficult. In all areas of Moreton Bay Marine Park:

    Go slow for those below!

    Moreton Bay Marine Park has a number of go slow areas to protect turtles and dugong from boat strike in critical feeding and resting areas. In these areas:

    To protect dugong in southern Moreton Bay there are four go slow areas where vessels larger than 8m must travel at 10 knots or less.

    Go slow for those above!

    Go slow areas for natural values protect the natural integrity of a location for all marine park users to appreciate and enjoy the undisturbed values and beauty of an area without the disturbance of fast moving vessels. In these areas:

    Leave only bubbles

    When diving or snorkelling:

    Leave it in the marine park

    It is an offence to remove almost any material, like rock or coral, from the marine park without permission. Depositing any material in the marine park without permission is also an offence.

    Let animals find their own food

    Never leave out food, scraps or bait or deliberately feed wildlife. It is illegal to feed dolphins unless it is part of a strictly controlled program.

    Looking after the marine park from home

    Remember, what goes down the stormwater drain, sink and toilet or on the garden in the Moreton region eventually reaches the bay.

    Park management

    Moreton Bay Marine Park contributes to the conservation and reasonable use of significant marine natural resources. This is achieved through zoning, designated areas, regulations and permits. The marine park is used for a wide range of activities from recreation to scientific research.

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manages the marine park as a multiple-use marine protected area. This approach recognises that people use and value marine park resources in many different ways. Unlike a national park on land where everything is protected to the greatest possible extent, the marine park allows for a range of recreational and commercial activities.

    Marine park management is all about Moreton Bay remaining a diverse, resilient and productive ecological system that can be enjoyed in the future.

    Marine parks, like Moreton Bay, that include marine national park (green) zones have been proven around the world to help conserve marine biodiversity by setting aside some areas where species and habitats can evolve and function relatively undisturbed.

    To achieve the best outcome for marine biodiversity, international standards recommend that representative samples of each habitat type found in the marine park be protected in green zones.

    Tourism information links

    Brisbane Visitor Information Centre
    Redlands on Moreton Bay Visitor Centre
    Redcliffe Central Visitor Information Centre

    Further information

    Contact the Environmental Protection Agency

    << Return to park summary

    Last updated: 05 March 2009








    NOTE: The new zoning plan for Moreton Bay Marine Park commenced on 1 March 2009.