SeaNet NSW
NSW SeaNet is working with the seafood industry to increase the awareness and uptake of sustainable practices. This includes work with State and Commonwealth managed fishing industries and oyster growers. SeaNet in NSW has had a recent changing of the guard; Michael Wooden is the new SeaNet officer. Keep your eye out for him and have a yarn when you see him on your wharf.
Below are some of the projects SeaNet NSW has been involved in recently:
Current Projects:
Evaluation of the OceanWatch’s BRD library
The Bycatch Reduction Library program in NSW included the provision of square mesh codend materials for use in the estuary prawn fisheries. This work will be continued by capturing the thoughts and advice from the fishermen who have been involved in the program. In addition, fishers have been trialing further modifications to their gear and practices to reduce the amount of small prawn caught, for e.g. square mesh extension piece and square mesh blubber shoot. A community newsletter has been developed by Mary Howard on behalf of the Hawkesbury River Trawl fishers called “Come Aboard”.
Marine Pests
Face to face discussions with South East Trawl operators at Greenwell Point and Ulladulla has been a recent activity, following on with the delivery of the National System for the Prevention of Marine Pest Incursions. Additionally, work is being done to evaluate marine waste disposal in the fishing industry. Discussions with fishers have focused on awareness and uptake of the best practice guidelines, developed by industry. The guidelines have increased awareness of, and minimise the potential movement of marine pests as a result of fishing operations. This is an ongoing program that has so far been delivered to South Coast SET and ETBF fisherman.
Plans are underway to work with fishers from Greenwell Pt to create individual vessel management plans which will highlight best practice methods, TEP mitigation strategies and techniques used in their fishing operations.
Community Engagement
Recently, SeaNet NSW and the OceanWatch executive chair, Brad Warren, were involved in a community engagement day at Kooragang Wetlands in the Hunter. Approximately 250 people attended on the day. SeaNet involvement included showcasing the BRD’s used by industry to the wider community, question and answer sessions, and a kids fish painting contest. Geoff Hyde of fern bay, a local estuary prawn trawl fisher, was kind enough to steam over in his new trawler, it is bright purple and has been aptly named– ‘the violet crumble’. Geoff’s trawl gear was staked out to allow a presentation to the attendees. Thanks to Pat Hyde for her help also.
Environmental Management Systems
SeaNet NSW has been involved with Broken Bay Oyster growers and Clyde River oyster growers, helping in the adoption and review of their Environmental Management Systems. This has included community engagement talks at various field days and presentations.
Reducing capture of juvenile target species
This FRDC funded project (FRDC Project 2008/036) was carried out on the mid north NSW coast and involved beach seine fishers based at South West Rocks and Hat Head. The project examined the effectiveness of larger mesh size in reducing the capture of juvenile target species in select NSW beach seine operations; e.g. bream, luderick and tarwhine. The report is being independently reviewed and will be made available to the NSW OHMAC representatives once it is finalised.
A presentation was made on Friday evening on the 12th March at the Elizabeth Bay Historic House to the community regarding the SeaNet program. This included viewing of a 5 minute video on beach seining, created by SeaNet which highlights the efforts of industry to mitigate the capture of juveniles of target species such as bream, luderick and tarwhine.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Michael Wooden on Ph: 0422 618 248 or email: michael@oceanwatch.org.au
Previous Projects:
- Manning River Estuary General Fishery Environmental Management System (EMS)
- Wallis Lake Estuary General Fishery Environmental Management System (EMS)
- Estuary General By-catch Reduction Devices
- Reduction of Small Prawn Discards
- Escape Panels in Fish Traps
- Discards Chute
- Hawkesbury Trawl Association Environmental Action Plan
SeaNet NSW is supported by the NSW Seafood Industry Council and the Department of Industry and Investment
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