The calamari and squid fisheries are closed in two areas during peak calamari spawning periods.
Closure rules
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Taking or possessing calamari and other squid species is prohibited in the closed areas.
- Commercially purchased bait can be used. Squid or squid parts taken prior to the closure, or outside the closed area may not be possessed in the closed area.
- You cannot possess a squid jig attached to a fishing line in the closed area.
Closure dates
The closures apply to both commercial and recreational fisheries. See
Fishing Seasons for current information about closure dates.
East Coast
The East Coast closure area includes all waters south from Lemon Rock (south of Wineglass Bay) to the northern end of Marion Beach (south of Maria Island) and includes Coles Bay, Great Oyster Bay and Mercury Passage.
East Coast calamari and squid closure area
North Coast
The North Coast closure area includes all waters:
- Bounded in the west by an imaginary line starting at Cape Grim and then running due west along the line of latitude at 40° 40'S to the limit of State waters; and
- Bounded in the north by the limit of State waters; and
- Bounded in the east by an imaginary line starting at Cape Naturaliste and then running due east along the line of latitude at 40° 50'S to the limit of State waters.
North Coast calamari and squid closure area
Spawning closures
A significant increase in calamari catch levels by both sectors combined with a depleting stock status has seen spawning closures put in place on the north and south east coasts.
To help maintain stocks into the future, the closures will restrain catch and ensure that calamari won't be targeted when they are at their most vulnerable. To assist with compliance, the closure applies to all species of squid.