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Non-target Species in Australian Government - managed Fisheries
Applying ecologically sustainable development (ESD) principles to the
management of Australia's fisheries requires a focus not only on the fish
targeted by fisheries, but also on the impacts on other marine life. It is
increasingly evident that marine animals do not live in isolation, but as part
of intricate systems. By taking this interdependence into account, we can help
to ensure the long term sustainability of the resources and systems upon which
we depend.
Commonwealth legislation requires that the exploitation of fishery resources should be consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, exercise the precautionary principle and 'have regard to the impact of fishing activities on non-target species and the long term sustainability of the marine environment'. Assessing the effects of fishing on non-target species is an important aspect of fishery research, involving a wide variety of species for which little is known.
This 1999 report brought together published and unpublished scientific information on the catch of non-target species in Commonwealth fisheries. It examined issues related to non-target species from a fisheries viewpoint and, more broadly, from the perspective of ecologists. The report identified what was known, what was not known, the issues raised and the actions that could be taken to remedy problems. It provided an overview and a baseline of scientific information that could be used over time to monitor the effectiveness of management strategies required under Commonwealth bycatch policy.
Through this and other reports, BRS is making information on Australia's Commonwealth-managed fisheries more accessible to government, industry and the community. Over time, the reports will provide a means of monitoring the effectiveness of management strategies in sustaining Australia's marine resources for the optimal use of present and future generations.
Table of contents:
Main Fisheries
Northern Prawn
Southern Bluefin
Tuna
South East Trawl Fishery
Medium Fisheries
Bass Strait Central Zone
Scallop
Torres Strait
Southern Shark
Eastern Tuna and Billfish
South
East Non-trawl Fishery
Great Australian Bight
Minor Fisheries
Southern Squid
Western and
Southern Tuna and Billfish
Jack Mackerel
Western Trawl
Macquarie
Island
Discussion
References
Appendix 1. Glossary of species
names
Appendix 2. Logbook data
Appendix 3. NPF Bycatch action
plan
Appendix 4. Observed catches in longline fisheries 1995