This public notice serves to advice all Beche-de-mer fisherman, operators and the general public the Fishery will be closed as of 1st October 2004 and will reopen on the 16th January 2005.

This closure is to ensure mature adults are protected from being harvested, so that sufficient breeding stocks are available to spawn during the spawning persiod from October to January.

This is also to ensure the stock of beche-de-mer time to regenerate and the undersize beche-de-mer have time to grow.

Fisherman and the licensed operators are therefore advised to refrain from collecting, processing, buying and selling, and storing beche-de-mer during the closure period. Anyone found conducting these activities after the 1st of October would be dealt with accordingly.

Licensed operators are given until 12th October to declare all stocks to NFA and Provincial Fisheries Officers. Monthly summary reports must be provided to NFA by 15th October. Note: Licensed operators intending to hold any of their products during the closure MUST seek prior approval from the Managing Director. Failure to do so may result in the confiscation of your product.

For more information, please conduct, Mr Philip Polon, Fisheries Manager – Sedentary by phone 3090444 or fax 3202061 or email ppolon@fisheries.gov.pg