MEDIA RELEASE

Navigation restrictions at Whakatane Harbour

For immediate release: 25 May 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 to navigation:

• 4 hours each side of low tide for deeper draft vessels.
• 3 hours each side of low tide for intermediate draft vessels.
• 2 hours each side of low tide for all other vessels.

Note: Deeper draft vessels are those with a draft greater than 1.4 metres. Intermediate draft vessels are those with a draft greater than 1.2 metres.

These restrictions are temporary and will be lifted when conditions change.

ENDS