This public notice serves to advise all Beche-de-mer fishermen, operators and the general public the Fishery will closed as of 1st October 2006 and will reopen on 16th January 2007.

The closure is to ensure mature adults are protected from being harvested, so that sufficient breeding stocks are available to spawn during the spawning period 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.

Fishermen 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 15th October to declare all stocks to NFA and Provincial Fisheries Officers. Monthly summary reports must be provided to NFA by 18th 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 contact, Mr Philip Polon, Fisheries Manager – Sedentary by phone 3090444 or fax 3202061 or email ppolon@fisheries.gov.pg

Authorized by: Mr. Sylvester Pokajam
Acting Managing Director