As whale migration season starts next month, OceanWatch Australia is calling on more fishers from New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania to get involved in its East Coast Whale Entanglement Mitigation Program. The program is run in partnership with the fishing industry, federal and state governments to trial a range of fishing gear modifications to help reduce the risk of whale entanglements during migration season.
Over 40,000 humpback whales are expected to migrate along Australia’s East Coast this season, and with the population growing by 10% annually1, the risk of entanglement incidents is rising and will continue to increase, which is why OceanWatch Australia is inviting more fishers to be involved in its program.
Working with its partners, OceanWatch Australia is currently collaborating with 81 fishers across the East Coast to trial 15 different types of fishing gear and equipment. The program has seen great success with new gear alternatives, such as rope swaps, time releases and submerged headgear. However, given the diversity of vessels, equipment, and catch areas used by fishers, no single gear modification will work for everyone, and so further trials with more fishers involved is important to ensure constant learning and adaptation.
Lowri Pryce, CEO of OceanWatch Australia says the program has been successful since launching in 2019 because of the level of interest from fishers who want to be involved, and the program needs more fishers who want to help be part of the solution.
“The population growth of humpback whales in Australia is an incredible conservation success story, however it does pose unique challenges for the fishing industry to coexist with these amazing animals.”
“Along with our partners, we are continually assessing fishery interactions with whales and migration behaviours for clues on how to better reduce entanglement risk. We’re so proud of the work our fishers and partners have achieved over the last few years and we’re making such great progress in sourcing new ways to modify fishing equipment. Our hope is for more fishers to join us on this journey so we can continue to test new techniques in a range of different situations. We know there isn’t a one size fits all approach as each fisher has unique needs and we’re focussed on finding safe passages for fishers and whales as we head into migration season,” she said.
Danny Stewart, a fisher from Coffs Harbour, NSW has been involved in the East Coast Whale Entanglement Mitigation Program since 2019 and has trialled innovative solutions including two types of ropeless gears.
“As fishers, we don’t want to see whales entangled and we want to limit our interactions with them as much as possible. Since being involved in OceanWatch Australia’s program, we have trialled innovative fishing gear modifications, like two types of ropeless gear systems aimed at reducing the risk of whale entanglements.”
“However, I know that what works for me may not work for another fisher, so we need as many fishers as possible to be involved in the program and try new equipment and methods. It’s such a complex challenge, and all the trials give us valuable clues and knowledge so we can look to reduce the risk of entanglements.” he said.
Fishers who are interested in being a part of OceanWatch Australia’s East Coast Whale Entanglement Mitigation Program are encouraged to take part and can view more information here.
About OceanWatch Australia
OceanWatch Australia is a not-for-profit environmental organisation dedicated to advancing sustainability in the seafood industry and operate community-based coastal habitat restoration programs. OceanWatch Australia collaborates with industry, government and communities to promote sustainable practices, conservation, and effective natural resource management across marine ecosystems. Information about OceanWatch Australia is also available on the website: https://www.oceanwatch.org.au/
1 https://www.australia.com/en/
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