Cumberland Charter Yachts are dedicated to Eco-tourism, and have been a certified Eco-tourism operator since 2015, promoting sustainable travel that benefits local communities, culture and heritage to minimise impacts on the environment. We believe it is our responsibility to educate all our charter guests on environmental sustainability.

On your charter, you'll enjoy the many different activities and experiences the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday islands offer and it's important to enjoy them in a responsible and environmentally 'reef friendly' way. Cumberland Charter Yachts have written our own Responsible Reef Practice's guide with a copy provided on each charter yacht. Here we'll share with you the many ways that you can help us keep the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays pristine for years to come and enjoy your charter holiday in a sustainable way.

*Be sure to familiarise yourself with the Great Barrer Reef Marine Park Zoning Map to the Whitsundays so that you are aware of the areas you can and cannot fish/spearfish.


Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #1 - Anchoring and Mooring
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #2 - Diving and Snorkelling
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #3 - Waste (including sewage) and Litter
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #4 - Around Turtles
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #5 - Around Whales and Dolphins
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #6 - Visiting Islands and Beaches
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #7 - Bird Watching

Fishing

Fishing is a popular recreational pastime that allows people to spend time on the water with family and friends and to get in touch with the natural world. The Great Barrier Reef offers many exciting and different fishing opportunities.

When Fishing

Take only what you need

Do not use pest or non-native fish for bait. Never release introduced species into the water

Do not fish where fish feeding takes place, for example as part of a tourist program

If you're unsure of the fish identity or size, release the fish immediately

Return all undersized and unwanted fish quickly to minimise injury

If you're keeping the fish, remove it from the hook or net immediately and kill it humanely

Do not litter - clean up all fishing gear (such as discarded tackle and line, and bait bags) and take it back to
    shore to dispose of it properly.

When Spearfishing

Spear only what you need

Do not pursue a fish if you are unsure of its identity or size

Do not take big fish merely as trophies because these are
    important breeding stock

Always track down injured fish, do not let them swim off injured.

When Returning Unwanted Fish

Minimise the length of time a fish is out of the water - keep fish in the water as much as possible and have
    your equipment close at hand. Very large fish should not be removed from the water

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Cumberland Charter Yachts is an award-winning company providing exceptional holiday experiences, leaving customers with a lifetime of memories that exceed all expectations.