ADELAIDE, Australia (4 June 2001) -- The Australian Senate has passed stringent laws in an effort to protect the world's longest natural marine structure -- the Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland coast. The move follows a series of shipping disasters and other human interference with the delicate balance of the living coral and the marine life which depends on it. The Environment Minister, Robert Hill, said the stiffer penalties should give the reef greater protection from negligent mariners and oil spills. Fines of more than half a million dollars -- 10 times the current level -- can be imposed for a range of offences, including endangering the marine park's environment and illegal fishing. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK | 
