Bruce Batch, a Cairns-based fisherman, is cautious about the Turnbull government's plans for the Coral Sea marine park, even though it potentially boosts his industry by slashing the area of highest protection in half.

The proposal, tabled in parliament on Wednesday, will leave just a quarter of the Coral Sea as a green zone - which bans all fishing and mining - down from 50 per cent under Labor’s plan.

Almost 70 per cent of the Coral Sea would be given “yellow zone” protection, leaving it open to fishing, but it's likely only commercial groups would benefit, Mr Batch said.

Cairns-based fisherman Bruce Batch, aboard his boat "Sydney Lewis", wants to see more detail of the government's marine park plan before giving his tick of approval. Credit:Brian Cassey

"It sounds good to say that it's open to recreational fishing [as the Coalition has said], but everyone sees it as a bit of a joke," the 67-year-old fisherman said as he prepared his boat "Sydney Lewis" for a five-day voyage.