The dates and areas for the annual squid spawning closures have been set for 2024, 2025 and 2026. Closures apply to both recreational and commercial fishers.
Image of calamari underwater courtesy of IMAS.
Squid spawning closure areas statewide
North coast
| All waters north of Kennaook/Cape Grim and Cape Naturaliste will be closed from 1 September to 31 October inclusive. |
New south east closure
| All waters from Lemon Rock south to Whale Head (including Coles Bay and Great Oyster Bay) will be
closed from 15 October to 14 November inclusive. This is an extension of
the previous east coast closure area. |
While in a closed area:
- You cannot take or possess squid or calamari, except for commercially purchased bait.
- You cannot possess a squid jig attached to a fishing line.
Why have the closures changed?
The most recent stock assessment by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) found that calamari in the south east are depleted and calamari on the north coast are depleting.
The new closure dates and areas offer more protection to calamari while they spawn, especially in the south-east. They also offer more certainty for fishers – these closures will apply for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The condition of calamari stocks will continue to be closely monitored, and recreational and commercial rules will be reviewed as needed the next time the Scalefish Rules are updated.
Calamari squid mops - Credit IMAS