Managing longline ‘drift and distance’
Managing longline 'drift and distance' in close proximity to no fishing zone boundaries in Australia's marine parks through integrated satellite telemetry data and GPS longline beacons project
Australian tuna is typically caught on longline—a gear type that consists of a long fishing line with regular hooks, attached via shorter branching lines. Reaching lengths of up to 75 km, they are set at sea and drift with the winds, currents and tides; vessels track their gear using radio beacons.
Longlining is not allowed in some Australian Marine Park zones and fishers are required to proactively anticipate the track of their longline to avoid accidental drift into these areas.
Using satellite telemetry data and GPS longline beacons, Tuna Australia worked with their members to improve drift prediction methods. This will enable fishers to set their gear with greater confidence and support sustainable fishing that is consistent with Australian Marine Park zoning and management objectives.
