The Island’s seasonally protected waters, known as the “hind grounds”, will become no-fishing zones for the summer starting May 1, the Department of Environmental Protection has announced.

These areas provide sanctuary for hinds and groupers when they gather to spawn for the warm months, and fishing in these areas is strictly prohibited through August 31.

Both the southwestern and northeastern protected areas contain square-shaped extended closure areas, which are closed off to fishing until November 29 each year.

The Department called on the public to review their boundaries, particularly since the borders for the southwestern haven were changed last year.

The seasonal protected areas and other fisheries regulations are in place to conserve local fish stocks, and protect them from overfishing.