Improving wildlife interactions
The project will test technologies new to Australian fisheries to further reduce interactions with scavenging seabirds while improving crew safety.
Reducing wildlife interactions is a critical first step in the tuna longline value chain, helping to ensure the industry remains both ecologically responsible and socially accepted. However, some mitigation techniques designed to deter wildlife can pose safety risks to crew.
To address this, Tuna Australia and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast, are delivering a new research project to improve environmental and crew safety outcomes.
The project will trial new technologies in Australian fisheries. At-sea trials will assess how quickly and effectively different mitigation measures—including hook pods, hook shields, magnesium bands and adjustments to line-setting speed—move bait below the average dive depth of seabirds.
Tuna Australia will collaborate with Honours and PhD students from the University of the Sunshine Coast to develop statistical models and rigorously analyse the trial data.
In addition, the project will test a new safety bar designed to protect crew from recoiling fishing gear, helping to reduce onboard injury risks.
The findings will generate valuable insights for both Australian and international fisheries, demonstrating practical ways to reduce wildlife interactions while safeguarding the people who work at sea.
