Improving the effectiveness, efficiency and safety of mitigation tools for protected species interactions in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish fishery
Currently, the tuna industry uses best-practice technologies to manage interactions with wildlife consistent with the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, Conservation and Management Measures of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, and ETBF Management arrangements. These technologies are highly successful, resulting in low interactions. But some of these technologies have safety issues.
This project explored new and improved wildlife mitigation technologies that enhance crew safety. Specifically, the project tested and evaluated a large number of mitigation technologies to ensure they are effective, efficient and safe. In addition, the project tested other technical improvements to existing mitigation equipment, such as tori line standardisation.
Project outcomes
The research shows:
- certain gear configurations and design features can significantly influence flyback risk
- mitigation tools can be refined or adapted to reduce injury risk without undermining conservation effectiveness.
Importantly, the project provides practical, tested options that industry can adopt to reduce risk.
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