THE Australian Fisheries Management Authority will consider allowing a pair trawling operation in the Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF) to replace the controversial recently departed Geelong Star super trawler.
Pair trawling involves the use of two boats to shoot and drag a large net through the water to catch schooling fish.
Unlike midwater trawling and purse seining, which are both approved under the SPF Management Plan, other fishing methods, such as pair trawling, jigging and handlining require AFMA to make a specific decision whether or not to allow them.
The SPF Scientific Panel will be consulting with stakeholders at the SPF Stakeholder Forum tomorrow (24th January 2017) however submissions are still open until the end of January.
Click here for more information, to view the application or make a submission.
