Authorised officers of the Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park will begin enforcing four management zones from July 19 to continue protecting the 204,000ha of jointly managed waters around the northern Dampier Peninsula and western islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago.

The zoning was introduced under the park’s 2022 management plan after consultation with the community, but until now the focus has been on educating visitors about where and what different activities are permitted.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior operations manager Matt Gogoll said Fisheries officers had spent the past year helping the public understand the zoning arrangements.

“I encourage anyone heading out on the water to familiarise themselves with zone maps and make sure they are only fishing within the permitted area so they don’t risk fines or prosecution,” he said.

Over the past 12 months, Parks and Wildlife Service rangers and Fisheries officers have provided information on the zoning through ranger patrols, community events and material distributed through local accommodation providers.

From July 19, authorised officers will begin checking that people fishing and undertaking other activities are doing so in the appropriate management zones.

The marine park is divided into four zones. The DBCA works with the Bardi and Jawi traditional owners and the Bardi Jawi Rangers in managing the marine park.

General use zones, covering 47 per cent of the park, allow recreational and commercial fishing.

Special purpose (biocultural conservation) zones, covering 2 per cent of the park, allow recreational fishing and some forms of commercial fishing.

Special purpose (cultural protection) zones, which make up 26 per cent of the park, only allow recreational fishing as part of a licensed commercial tour, while commercial trochus collection is also permitted.

Sanctuary zones covering the remaining 25 per cent of the park is where all fishing and collecting is prohibited.

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Buccaneer Archipelago marine parks co-ordinator Kevin Bancroft said the education period had helped prepare visitors for the changes.

“The zones strike the right balance between protecting wildlife and cultural values while supporting recreation, tourism and commercial use,” Mr Bancroft said.

Recreational fishing remains permitted in general use zones and special purpose (biocultural conservation) zones, while some commercial fishing is also allowed in designated areas.

Mr Bancroft said visitors could still enjoy a range of activities in sanctuary zones despite fishing restrictions.

“In areas where recreational fishing is not permitted, visitors can enjoy low-impact activities like boating, photography, wildlife viewing and enjoying the natural beauty of the marine park,” he said.

Customary activities, including hunting, fishing and ceremonial practices, will continue to be permitted throughout the marine park, recognising the ongoing cultural connection of Bardi and Jawi traditional owners to sea country.

More information about zoning can be found at exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au.

An interactive zoning map for the park is also available on the WA Recreational Fishing Rules website, rules.fish.wa.gov.au, under the north coast bioregion.