2016 Fishery Independent Survey Finishes
The 2016 Fishery Independent Survey (FIS) project has just wrapped up, marking the eighth year since the first one was carried out in 2008. Some elements of the survey were revised to take into account the recommendations from a recent independent review by the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA). Those changes tightened […]
What’s a Zooplankton Hole?
A recent journal article in the Nature Ecology and Evolution journal titled, “Widely used seismic survey air gun operations negatively impact zooplankton” (Robert D. McCauley et al) investigated the effects of seismic surveys on zooplankton. Zooplankton underpin the health and productivity of global marine ecosystems. Zooplankton are a group of small animals including organisms whose […]
A+ in State of the Environment Report for Commercial Fishing
Every five years the Australian Government conducts a comprehensive review of the state of the Australian environment. This national SoE Report provides information about environmental and heritage conditions, trends and pressures for the Australian continent, surrounding seas and Australia’s external territories The report found that, “In the past 5 years (2011-16), environmental policies and management […]
What the ling happened in the 2016/17 fishing season?
Pink ling (Genypterus blacodes) is the second most important species in the South East Trawl Fishery by revenue behind tiger flathead. Historically, pink ling was managed as one stock with a single annual total allowable catch (TAC). However, recent science shows that it is two stocks so now two stock assessments are completed. Because there […]
The Future of Commercial Fishing in Port Phillip Bay
By Ross Winstanley* The Victorian Government’s proposed restrictions on commercial fishing in Port Phillip Bay from 2022 will leave the remaining fishermen hamstrung. At best, these restrictions reflect the Government’s indifference to the future viability of commercial fishing in the Bay. In my opinion, at worst, they reflect a subterfuge aimed at quietly eliminating all […]
SETFIA Celebrates Gail Richey AM!
Gail Richey has been awarded an AM in the General Division of the Order of Australia in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours Roll. Mrs Richey was recognised for her significant service over 30 years to the fishing and aquaculture industry, particularly in Tasmania, and to fisheries management and industry associations. Her achievements are extensive and span […]
When Can Imported Fish Oil be “Made in Australia”?
Ocean Oils is a Melbourne based bulk wholesale processing and refining company that extracts squalene fish oil from deepwater sharks. Only the livers from a few shark species contain squalene oil. There is strong consumer demand for the product because of the health benefits it provides. Ocean Oils Managing Director Richard Saul has explained that […]
Trawl fleet makes 1 May baffler deadline
The 2017-18 fishing season started on 1 May and the newsletter can report that all board trawl vessels made the deadline to have new and improved seabird mitigations in place. Seabirds are attracted to fishing vessels by the sight and smell of fish and fish offal. They can be injured or killed when they collide […]
Why are bafflers so bright?
May has been a big month for the South East Trawl Fishery with 95% of the otter board trawl vessels installing bird bafflers. Bird bafflers use brightly coloured droppers that hang off the metal boom arms and backbone of rope. The droppers are typically made from orange or red pipe hose or sometimes even rope. There […]
SETFIA Interview with ABC – Seabird Bafflers
SETFIA Interview with ABC Radio Hobart Ryk Goddard 11 May 2017 Seabird bafflers