MEDIA RELEASE
 
 
Navigation restrictions at Whakatane Harbour

For immediate release: 14 April 2009
 
Recreational boaties and fishermen are being warned of new restrictions to navigation following increased shallowing within the entrance channel (the narrows) to Whakatane Harbour.
 
Eastern Bay of Plenty Harbour Master Brian Spake has issued the following restrictions:
 
A 3 hour restriction to navigation each side of low water for deeper draft vessels
 
A 2 hour restriction to navigation each side of low water for intermediate vessels
 
A 1 hour restriction to navigation each side of low water for all other vessels
 
Note: Deeper draft vessels are those with a draft greater than 1.4 metres, intermediate draft are those with a draft greater than 1 metre but less than 1.4 metres.
 
These restrictions are temporary and will be lifted when conditions change.
 
Ends