Ocean Trawl Fishery closures

Updated: 21 May 2012

The Ocean Trawl Share Management Plan and Supporting Plan now give effect to some fishing closures that were previously notified under section 8 of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and, contain provisions relating to the types of fishing gear that may be used in the fishery. Some fishing closures remain as section 8 notifications.

Fishers are advised to familiarise themselves with the relevant fisheries legislation and be aware that other restrictions on fishing operations may apply in Marine Protected Areas.

General closures

Location closures

Ocean Trawl flood bycatch closures

A program is in place in the Ocean Trawl Fishery that involves adaptively managing access to minimise bycatch, including bycatch of mulloway which is classified overfished. Commercial fishers and DPI are also working together to develop new gear to minimise bycatch of juvenile mulloway in the school prawn sector, potentially alleviating the need for closures.

Invitation for Expressions of Interest to participate in the ‘Rapid Mulloway Reduction Assessment’

Expressions of interest are sought from licensed commercial fishers to participate in the ‘Rapid Mulloway Reduction Assessment’. The purpose of the program is to conduct preliminary testing on a range of codend/BRD configurations for reducing bycatch of juvenile mulloway in the inshore school prawn sector of the Ocean Trawl Fishery.

Responsibilities

On a day or days (yet to be determined) successful applicants will be required to conduct test shots using prawn trawl nets in inshore waters. Test shots will be strictly controlled. A small number of test shots (2 or 3) of limited duration (approx. 15 minutes) will be conducted at times and locations determined by DPI. Testing will initially be in ocean waters off the Clarence and Evans Rivers.

Gear requirements

One side net is to be configured as a ‘standard school prawn’ net (i.e. 40 to 45 mm mesh codend and fitted with an approved Ocean square-mesh panel BRD. The other side net is to be fitted with the codend/BRD configuration proposed by the applicant for testing. The centre net, where relevant, will not be used (i.e. the drawstring will be left open).

Selection criteria

The following selection criteria will be used to rank applicants. Higher ranked applicants will have first opportunity to participate in the program.

  • The applicant must be licensed and hold an endorsement for the inshore prawn trawl sector of the NSW Ocean Trawl Fishery.
  • In ranking applicants consideration will be given to:
    • The likely effectiveness of the codend/BRD proposed by the applicant for testing.
    • Achieving representation of the range of boats used in the school prawn sectors of the Ocean Trawl Fishery (i.e. large and small boats and boats of varying horsepower etc.).
    • Consideration may also be given to where the applicant’s boat/business is based relative the waters where the test shots are to be conducted.

Registering your interest

Interest in participating in the program must be registered either by phone or in writing. A detailed written description (or photos) of the codend/BRD proposed for testing must be provided.

Rapid Mulloway Reduction Assessment
NSW Department of Primary Industries
P0 Box 213
MACLEAN NSW 2463
Fax: (02) 6645 1326
Email: darren.hale@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Given test shots are proposed to commence as soon as practicable (i.e. over the next week or so) the initial closing date for applications is COB 5.00pm, Monday 27 February 2012. Expressions of interest may be submitted after the initial closing date for consideration in connection with any subsequent trials that may be required.

Contact

For enquiries concerning the Rapid Mulloway Reduction Assessment please contact Darren Hale, Senior Fisheries Manager, on (02) 6645 0503.