Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning

Many skippers will be familiar with green (Marine National Park) zones, but the pink (Preservation) and orange (Scientific) no-entry zones are lesser known. Far more than just lines on a map, they exist to protect vulnerable species and their habitats.

‘No entry’ means just that -- no traversing, no anchoring and no fishing is allowed within the pink and orange zones. They’re actively monitored and strictly enforced.

In the Keppels, around Peak Island, a pink zone protects one of the largest flatback turtle nesting populations in Australia; a species unique to northern Australia. Further south in the Capricorn Bunker Group, Wreck Island is within another pink zone that’s vital for nesting loggerhead turtles and other turtle species.

One Tree Island is dedicated to scientific research, with the surrounding orange zone -- one of only two in the entire Marine Park -- preventing public disturbance. 

Island national parks are no place for pets, even for a short beach walk. Dogs can disturb nesting seabirds, dig up turtle nests, and introduce diseases or pests, so keep your pooch at home or on board.

Also, take note that lighting a beach fire is illegal in national parks. As well as being dangerous, fires alter the sand chemistry, harming turtle nesting sites, damaging coastal vegetation and increasing erosion.