Bermuda’s seasonally protected marine areas, known as the “hind grounds”, are closed to all fishing activities as of May 1, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has announced.
These areas provide sanctuary for hinds and groupers when they gather to spawn during the warm summer months, and fishing in these areas is strictly prohibited through August 31.
The two large protected areas, one to the southwest and one to the northeast of the island, both contain square-shaped extended closure areas, which are closed to fishing until November 29 each year.
These seasonally protected areas have existed in various forms since the 1970s and, together with other fisheries regulations, are part of efforts to help conserve local fish stocks, and protect them from overfishing.
As the spawning season begins, maps of these important fisheries management areas are posted below as a reminder, along with their co-ordinates.