Program Aims to Reduce Whale Entanglements through Fishing Gear Modifications
The East Coast Whale Entanglement Mitigation Program, a collaborative initiative between OceanWatch Australia, the fishing industry, and government partners, is gearing up for another whale migration season. As the humpback whale population continues to grow, so does the risk of entanglements, making it essential to involve more fishers from New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania in the program.
- More than 40,000 humpback whales are expected to migrate along Australia’s East Coast this season, with the population growing by 10% annually.
- The program currently collaborates with 81 fishers across the East Coast to trial 15 different types of fishing gear and equipment.
- These trials have seen great success with new gear alternatives, such as rope swaps, time releases, and submerged headgear.
The program’s success can be attributed to the level of interest from fishers who want to be involved in reducing whale entanglements. OceanWatch Australia CEO, Lowri Pryce, emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge sharing among fishers, partners, and the community.
“**“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.”**
- To reduce the risk of whale entanglements through the development and implementation of new fishing gear modifications.
- To increase the number of fishers involved in the program to ensure constant learning and adaptation.
- To promote sustainable fishing practices and conservation of marine ecosystems.
Danny Stewart, a fisher from Coffs Harbour, NSW, has been involved in the program since 2019 and has trialled innovative solutions, including two types of ropeless gear systems. He emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration and the need for more fishers to be involved in the program. “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.”
| Trials | Outcomes |
|---|---|
| 15 different types of fishing gear and equipment | New gear alternatives, such as rope swaps, time releases, and submerged headgear |
| 81 fishers involved in the program | Continued learning and adaptation |
This is a crucial moment for the program, as it seeks to engage more fishers and promote sustainable practices in the seafood industry.
Lowri Pryce highlights the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge sharing among fishers, partners, and the community. “We’re making great progress in sourcing new ways to modify fishing equipment, and we hope to have more fishers join us on this journey so we can continue to test new techniques in a range of different situations.”
A Not-for-Profit Environmental Organisation
OceanWatch Australia is a not-for-profit environmental organisation dedicated to advancing sustainability in the seafood industry. The organisation collaborates with industry, government, and communities to promote sustainable practices, conservation, and effective natural resource management across marine ecosystems.
- Information about OceanWatch Australia is available on the website: https://www.oceanwatch.org.au/
- The organisation operates community-based coastal habitat restoration programs.
In conclusion, the East Coast Whale Entanglement Mitigation Program is a collaborative approach to conservation that aims to reduce whale entanglements through fishing gear modifications. With the support of OceanWatch Australia, the fishing industry, and government partners, the program has seen great success and is now seeking to engage more fishers to continue its efforts.
