Fisherman Leighton Darby Bennett fined over Great Barrier Reef Marine Park breach

The captain of a commercial fishing vessel is in hot water over breaches involving a protected zone off Bowen – and not for the first time.

The captain of a commercial fishing vessel has been slapped with a hefty fine after one of his workers operating a dory went into a protected zone in waters off Bowen.

This is now the fourth time Leighton Darby Bennett has fronted court for breaching Commonwealth law as a fisherman.

Bowen Magistrates Court heard a dory had spent 60 minutes 4.23km inside a green zone within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on December 15, 2021.

Commonwealth prosecutor Chris Moore said the dory had been 16km from the main vessel.

“We are getting to the point where fines are simply not enough,” Mr Moore said.

When investigators spoke to Bennett, 52, he said one of his fishermen had been operating the dory at the time.

But Magistrate James Morton said as the master of the vessel it was Bennett’s responsibility to ensure his fishermen knew the rules.

“Authorities … have all eyes on the water these days,” Mr Morton said.

The court heard given this was Bennett’s fourth time in court for similar offending he was well aware of his obligations.

Bennett had been fined $3000 in September 2020 and a conviction was recorded. He was fined $2000 in 2014 and $800 in 1999.

“He is the captain of that ship and therefore he must, must ensure that his workers, namely the fishermen, are up to speed and he knows exactly where they are and what they are doing at all times,” Mr Morton said.

Bennett did not appear in court for this matter and it was finalised in his absence.

He was fined $3000 and a conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Fisherman Leighton Darby Bennett fined over Great Barrier Reef Marine Park breach