In yet another example of the Commonwealth fishing industry working hard to improve sustainability of their operations, operators in the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) have begun trialing new ideas to deter unwanted catch from entering the net or to escape in good shape before hauling in the net.
The NPF Industry Pty Ltd (NPFI) launched its new bycatch strategy in July 2015 to reduce bycatch in the NPF by 30 per cent over the next three years. To encourage innovation, industry leaders have banded together to fund an award for skippers with the most effective device.
“NPFI is putting up $20,000 prize money for the most effective designs that can be implemented into the fishery – this can be for an individual or a team,” said NPFI Project Officer Adrianne Laird.
“Skippers and crew are being encouraged to try different devices or net modifications this season. If something shows promising results it will likely undergo scientific trials in 2016.”
AFMA welcomed the initiative by the NPF industry and congratulated them on the continued improvements to further minimise fishing impacts on the environment.
“Operators in the NPF have working knowledge of prawn trawl gear and are best placed to lead the charge on new innovation,” said AFMA’s Northern Fisheries Senior Manager, Steve Bolton.
For more information on the strategy please contact the NPFI Project Officer Adrianne Laird at adrianne@npfindustry.com.au.
This initiative is just one of the many being trialed by Commonwealth fisheries to improve sustainability.
For more information on AFMA’s sustainable fisheries management and the work of industry to improve sustainability in our fisheries and ensure a healthy supply of Australian seafood for current and future generations visit www.afma.gov.au.