As part of the Blue Warehou Stock Rebuilding Strategy 2008 the industry agreed to a voluntary temporary closure from Gabo Island to Lakes Entrance each year to protect spawning stocks.  Exact positions are stated in the chart below.  The closure applies to all trawl (otterboard and Danish seine) and mesh operators.

Its timing is believed to cover the optimal months for spawning.  In 2009 the closure is:

From:  0001 hrs Sunday 30 August 2009

To:      2400 hrs Sunday 25 October 2009

It is in the interests of the industry to manage our own destiny and observe the closure.  We urge all members and non-members to comply with the closure.

A copy of the Rebuilding Strategy can be found on our website on the home page under latest news or by copying http://setfia.org.au/news/_news_single.asp?ID=720 into your browser.