Seabird protection grant

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The South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association (SETFIA) has received an Australian Government ‘Caring for our Country’ grant of $360,000 to develop and test devices and techniques to protect seabirds in the Commonwealth and Great Australian Bight Trawl Sectors.

Seabirds in flight. Credit: AFMA 2014

Fishers will be asked for their ideas for seabird mitigation devices and techniques, with a panel of experts selecting the best to be tested. One idea which is already being trialled uses water sprayers to keep seabirds away from nets and wires.

The trials will be conducted with the assistance of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) trawl and bycatch teams. Onboard observers will monitor the performance of the new mitigation measures.

In addition to the trials, several fishers from south east Australia and the Great Australian Bight are expected to travel to New Zealand to learn more about seabird mitigation measures.

Fishermen in all Commonwealth trawl fisheries are developing a reputation for strong environmental stewardship. SETFIA’s grant to help investigate ways of better managing seabird interactions is another example of industry taking a direct role in managing fisheries for a sustainable future. AFMA is keen to support industry environmental stewardship and innovation and recognises that in many cases fishers with on the water experience are best at solving bycatch problems.