Effects of Trawl Subprogram: evaluation of the effectiveness of reducing dolphin catches with pingers and exclusion grids in the Pilbara trawl fishery
Project number:
2004-068
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure:
$79,535.23
Principal Investigator:
Peter Stephenson
Organisation:
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) WA
Project start/end date:
30 Aug 2004
-
11 Mar 2007
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
The performance report on the Pilbara Trawl Fishery to Environment Australia reported a dolphin catch of approximately 50 per year. The initial reaction of EA to this level of dolphin catch indicated that continued exports from this fishery could be in jeopardy, making it necessary to reduce the dolphin mortality. Industry are aware of this need and are willing to participate in trials.
1. Determine the occurrence of dolphins swimming into the net on vessels with exclusion grids, compared to vessels without grids, and to determine the behaviour and fate of the animals encountering the grid.
2. Determine the occurrence of dolphins swimming into the net on vessels with pingers, compared to vessels without pingers.
3. Determine the mortality rate of dolphins on trawls where pingers or grids are deployed compared to trawls without mitigation devices.
