Six marine mammals killed by supertrawler
Outrage from Game Fishing Association as AFMA strengthens marine mammal protection in the Small Pelagic FisheryThe Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) says it has strengthened marine mammal protection in the Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF), following the killing of six marine mammals.
On its foray into the Australian Small Pelagic Fishery, supertrawler the Geelong Star has notified AFMA of two seal mortalities and four dolphin mortalities.
The AFMA says that any mortality of marine mammals is a serious concern and the Geelong Star will immediately be required to take additional precautions to further reduce the risk of marine mammal interactions.
In response to the latest news of mammal mortality in the Small Pelagic Fishery the Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) Conservation Officer, Dr Evan Jones has issued a press release voicing his concerns.
"The Game Fishing Association of Australia [has] called for the immediate suspension of all commercial fishing operations by the super trawler Geelong Star following the reports of marine mammals deaths today [April 21].
"The news released today by the Australian Fisheries Management showed that the super trawler Geelong Star had killed four dolphins and two sea lions in its first trial at sea in Australian waters.
"It is simply unacceptable to have these deaths occurring in an Australian commercial fishing operation," Dr Jones said.
"We are calling on Minister Hunt to use his powers to suspend all operations by the Geelong Star since the Australian Fisheries Management Authority has been proven to be powerless to prevent these deaths.
"We are calling on AFMA to publicly release all observer reports, vessel operation reports, video footage and any other information about these mammal deaths.
"If there were six marine mammals killed how many others may have been injured?"
Consistent with the requirements of all vessels fishing in Commonwealth waters, the Geelong Star must report any interaction with protected species, including marine mammals like dolphins, seals or Australian sea lions.
Meanwhile, AFMA's CEO Dr James Findlay said changes would be made: "AFMA has always said that we will update the Geelong Star's vessel management plan to take into account on the water experience," said.
"Additional measures will now be imposed to protect dolphins and other marine mammals.
"These changes include modifications to marine mammal exclusion devices and move-on provisions, day-time fishing only or requiring the vessel to return to port if further dolphins are killed."
However, Dr Jones of the GFAA said this was not good enough: "The vessel management plan is manifestly inadequate to have allowed this number of deaths to occur.
"The vessel must not be allowed to put to sea again until there has been a full public examination of these killings" Dr Jones said.
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