Observer survey prioritisation
Published 1 July 2021
Updating the commercial fishing observer prioritisation to address threats to marine ecosystems.
Overview
This program will help to inform key knowledge gaps around threats to protected and threatened species from NSW commercial fisheries.
What’s involved:
Scientific observers collect and analyse data gathered during commercial fishing operations. Current commercial fisheries involved include:
13 NSW OTL commercial fishers are testing new technology in day-to-day operations to assist a study investigating how to reduce whale entanglements in fishing gear.
DPI researchers are examining the impact of commercial fishing on all marine animals including threatened and protected species.
These projects will:
- address key knowledge gaps on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine wildlife
- give stakeholders greater scientific evidence to inform measures to support sustainable fishing
- test implementation of new technology.
Locations
| Estuaries sampled include: | Ocean ports sampled include: |
|---|---|
| Tweed River | Brunswick Heads |
| Richmond River | Ballina |
| Clarence River | Evans Head |
| Macleay River | Coffs Harbour |
| Wallis Lake | South West Rocks |
| Port Stephens | Forster |
Local government areas - Ballina Shire, Coffs Harbour coucil, Port Stephens Council, Tweed Shire
Lead agency
- NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
Partners
- NSW Commercial fishers
- Department of Planning and Environment - Environment, Energy and Science
- Professional Fishermen’s Association
- Oceanwatch Australia
Our Initiatives
Initiative
Threatened and protected species
Status
Current