Ester J is using an electronic monitoring system as part of a research program to better determine the rate of interaction between sea lions in areas off the Gillnet, Hook and Trap Sectors of the South Australian coast.
The new monitoring system detects when fishing occurs, then records video footage that can be rapidly reviewed at up to six-times normal speed. This sort of data collection is normally done by AFMA Observers onboard the boat. The aim now is for the new system to do the job quicker and with less cost.
Aside from potential cost savings, this increased monitoring gives fishers the opportunity to demonstrate what they have long attested; that interactions with sea lions are much less frequent than previous studies have suggested. With more data and greater certainty regarding numbers, management arrangements can be refined for the best possible outcome for all parties.
The project is being funded by the Australian Government through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and will be collecting data over the next six months.
