Media release
To help encourage innovative thinking in the next generation of fisheries managers and marine engineers, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) together with the South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association (SETFIA) are funding a fishing gear design competition for students at the University of Tasmania’s Australian Maritime College (AMC) and Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).
While the competition is part of coursework for third year fisheries management and marine engineering students, it has been opened to all students studying at these institutions.
“The University of Tasmania, AMC and IMAS are first class institutions specialising in marine and maritime studies,” CEO of AFMA, Dr James Findlay said.
“In fact, many of AFMA’s staff, including myself, were once students at the University of Tasmania and its affiliated schools, and are now out there, working with industry, conservation groups and scientists to ensure the sustainability of our fisheries,” CEO of AFMA, Dr James Findlay.
“I am pleased that AFMA could partner with SETFIA and the university on this project and look forward to see the students’ designs.”
CEO of SETFIA, Mr Simon Boag, agreed that working with tomorrow’s fisheries managers and industry leaders was very exciting.
“This project encourages sustainable and innovative thinking at the grass roots level,” said Mr Boag.
“Not only that, but the competition also provides students with a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and to develop connections with the commercial fishing industry. The ultimate goal is to have the device commercialised and used in our fishery.”
The competition will kick off on 26 March 2015 with officers from AFMA’s Bycatch Program and Commonwealth Trawl management section travelling to Tasmania to give a presentation to Australian Maritime College 3rd year fisheries management and marine engineering students on the issue of seal bycatch during otter board trawling. Students will then be asked to design bycatch mitigation devices to reduce the incidental capture of seals during trawl fishing
The winner of the competition will receive $500, second place $350 and third place $150 in prize money.
IMAS Launceston lecturer and course coordinator, Nick Rawlinson said the competition is an exciting way to encourage sustainable thinking in fisheries management.
“It is great that students can work with AFMA and industry on ‘real’ solutions to improve fisheries management,” Mr Rawlinson said.
“Thanks to AFMA and SETFIA for their sponsorship of this program.”
For more information on how AFMA is ensuring the sustainability of Commonwealth fisheries visit afma.gov.au.
AFMA media enquiries: media@afma.gov.au or 0437 869 860