A new vessel that will act as a floating ranger station to improve protection of marine life in the Great Barrier Reef has been launched by the Queensland and Commonwealth governments.
The $9.7 million Reef Resilience vessel unveiled in Gladstone on Friday is part of the Reef Joint Field Management Program.
The 24-metre vessel will increase compliance, surveying and research capabilities on the reef to help in the management of protected species and respond to incidents in the region.
Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the vessel provides a practical approach to increasing operations on the reef that may impact its ecosystems.
"This is yet another important and practical investment in reef protection, one that will substantially increase our capacity for field operations and in protecting the reef from illegal activities including illegal fishing," Ms Ley said.
"It is capable of reaching the remotest locations in the southern Great Barrier Reef and delivering multiple tasks simultaneously.
"We have a similar vessel already operating in the northern part of the Reef and this means the entire World Heritage Area is benefiting."
Queensland's Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Meaghan Scanlon says working with traditional custodians to maintain the reef is imperative in enhancing protected species management and in-water surveys.
"Supporting rangers, Traditional Owners, Indigenous Rangers, and researchers to deliver a range of activities at the same time is exactly what this amazing vessel is designed to do," she said.
"It allows our rangers to more efficiently and effectively maintain island campgrounds and the network of public moorings, and enhance our management of protected species like marine turtles and seabirds.
The vessel Tamoya, which services the Whitsundays is also to be upgraded.
Australian Associated Press
