Senator Barnaby Joyce has welcomed a Magistrates Court decision in Cairns on Monday, which found in favour of two fishermen who were charged by GBRMPA for fishing in a Green Zone illegally.

“The fact the court found GPS and maps used by GBRMPA to be inaccurate has to call into question any fines issued by GBRMPA is the past. Fines which have been paid by fishermen on the assumption GBRMPA’s accuracy with GPS and other equipment, used to establish if a fisherman is in the Green zone or not, are correct.

“I sympathise with these fishermen and was very happy to hear the decision fell in their favour.

“What we have to look at now is the possibility of further action to be taken.

“Numerous times in Senate hearings I have called into question the over policing of these waters compared to the amount of liaison work GBRMPA has with commercial and recreational fishermen and now it seems GBRMPA’s technology is faulty.

“The commercial and recreational fishermen’s confidence in GBRMPA will have suffered another blow as a result of this decision and the inadequacy of GBRMPA.

“GBRMPA will have to work very hard to restore any confidence in the fishing industry of North Queensland.

“I encourage any other fishermen who have been issued with infringement notices, to contact Brian Pickup, Executive Officer, SUNFISH NQ Phone/Fax 0747737346 Mobile 0427374022.“Senator Joyce said.