10 Nov 06 - Seasonal Ban On The Use Of Hookah Gear In The Torres Strait & Western Province Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery.

This notice serves to inform all licensed Tropical Rock Lobster operators, fishermen and the general public that the seasonal ban on the use of hookah gear for taking tropical rock lobster in the Torres Strait and Western Province fishery commences on the 30th November 2006 and terminating at midnight of 31st March 2007. This is in accordance with the current Torres Strait and Western Province Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan.

This means no fishing for tropical rock lobster using hooker gear is allowed in the Torres Strait and Western Province Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery, during the period stated.

You are further advised that harvesting, buying, processing and exporting of lobsters with tail lengths less than 115 mm (300g weight) is not allowed. This is illegal and NFA will not hesitate to prosecute offenders.

For compliance and research purposes, NFA will be placing observers on all licensed lobster vessels during the ban period.

If you have any queries in this regard, please contact Mr. Augustine Mobiha or Mr. Lester Baule on telephone 309 0444, fax. 320 2061, email amobiha@fisheries.gov.pg / lbaule@fisheries.gov.pg.

Authorized by: Terry Ward
Acting Managing Director