The Nassau Guardian
     
                  Closed grouper season 

                  PublicationNone 
                  DateDecember 17, 2003
                  Section(s)National News

                  The Department of Fisheries has put in place a number of 
                  stringent measures to ensure the preservation of the Nassau 
                  Grouper.
                  On Tuesday, the department announced that taking, landing, 
                  processing, selling and offering for sale of fresh Nassau 
                  grouper will be prohibited throughout the country between Jan. 
                  1 and Jan. 31, 2004.
                  The prohibition will also be in effect from Dec. 16, 2004 to 
                  Feb. 16, 2005.
                  "These measures are part of efforts being made to ensure that 
                  the commercial fishery for the Nassau grouper in The Bahamas 
                  will be sustained for the benefit of present and future 
                  generations of Bahamian fishermen and consumers," the 
                  department said.
                  It was also announced that about seven square miles of waters 
                  surrounding High Cay, off the coast of Andros, will be 
                  designated a Protected Area from Dec. 18, 2003 to March 31, 
                  2004. During this period, all forms of fishing will be 
                  prohibited in this area, which is well known as a site for a 
                  grouper spawning aggregation. It is also a research site that 
                  is accessible to Nassau fishermen, and has been heavily 
                  fished, the department said.
                  The designated protected area is bounded on the north by 
                  latitude 24 degrees 40 minutes north, on the south by latitude 
                  24 degrees 37.8 minutes north, on the east by longitude 77 
                  degrees 40.8 minutes west, and on the west by longitude 77 
                  degrees 44 minutes west.
                  The department is requesting the cooperation of all fishermen 
                  and the general public in its efforts. 
                  It warns that persons found in violation of the closures will 
                  be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law.
                  


                   
                  



















© 2003 The Nassau Guardian