THE annual rules regarding Grey Nurse Sharks around Montague Island within the Batemans Marine Park came into effect from Tuesday 1 November 2022. Fishing is restricted to protect Grey Nurse Sharks during the period 1 November to 30 April each year.
Grey Nurse Sharks are listed as critically endangered and Montague Island is a renowned aggregation site for this species.
The zones within the Batemans Marine Park that are effected are Montague Island (Inner) Habitat Protection Zone, Montague Island South Sanctuary Zone and Montague Island East Sanctuary Zone. The restrictions are to reduce accidental hooking and harming of Grey Nurse Sharks.
The restrictions are:
– No fishing with bait;
– No fishing with wire trace;
– No fishing at anchor;
– No nets (except landing nets).
More info at the NSW DPI website.
VIa RFA NSW.