The annual rules regarding Grey Nurse Sharks around Montague Island within the Batemans Marine Park will come 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 under NSW and commonwealth legislation.
The zones within the Batemans Marine Park that are affected 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).
Download the free Fishsmart app for maps on the Batemans Marine Park and a summary of the different zones. You can find it in the iTunes app store or on Google Play.
The zoning guide is also available online at: https://bit.ly/3D1u483.
To report illegal fishing, call the Fishers Watch phone line 1800 043 536 or report online at https://fal.cn/3fMUz
Photo: NSW DPI Fisheries
