The Ministry of the Environment has redefined protected fish spawning sites around the Mills Breaker Channel.

The decision was made in order to protect black rockfish spawning aggregation sites and involves redefining two existing protected areas known as the eastern hind grounds.

The Marine Resources Division provided information to the department which indicates that two spawning aggregation sites of black rockfish are in the same area as already protected red hind spawning sites.

This means they have created one, larger, protected area.

The amendment does not change the dates of restricted fishing activity in the area which remains closed from May 1 to August 31.

The Department will soon put spar buoys in place to alert people of the protected area. Co-ordinates are available from the Department.