A NEW study has reviewed the hotly debated use of live sonar (e.g. livescope) in recreational fishing around the world, including for Australian species such as Murray cod, and found a wide range of opportunities and issues for recreational fisheries with this technology.
In recreational fishing, advancements and innovations in gear and techniques are common and frequent. However, a recent innovation, in the availability of recreational-grade live sonar (also known as live imaging sonar and forward-facing sonar), is the most debated advancement in the recreational fishing industry over the past several decades.
The technology provides unprecedented real-time imagery to help anglers locate and capture fish. As a result, there is often conflict and debate in the rec fishing community (around the world and in Australia) about the potential benefits and disadvantages of live sonar technology in recreational fisheries, including discussions on whether such technology is “sporting” and should be regulated.
Researchers synthesised available literature, experiences of the co-authors, and observations from traditional and social media and overviewed key issues and opportunities regarding live sonar including:
- Changes in fish catch rates
- Changes in fish catch composition
- Changes in individual fish catchability
- Competitive angling events
- Equity, fairness and conflict
- Regulation
- Research needs
The researchers found that there are a wide range of potential outcomes for fisheries when this technology is used – both issues and opportunities.
Of particular concern is the ability to find fish that were previously cryptic and to target fish in ways that almost guarantee capture (e.g., through snagging where legal or putting bait right in the front of fish) thus increasing catchability.
Yet, the technology also creates opportunities for the recruitment and retention of the next generation of anglers, and improved fisheries research relevant to recreational fisheries management.
These findings emphasise that more empirical research (ecological and human dimensions) into live sonar use is required to provide resource managers and the broader recreational fishing community with guidance on how to ensure that live sonar is used in ways consistent with fisheries management objectives and stakeholder desires.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) recreational fisheries manager Dr Taylor Hunt said it’s a personal choice whether anglers want to use the new technology or not and we understand some anglers are embracing it and enjoying it while others prefer to fish without it.
“The new live sonar technology like Livescope is an exciting development as it’s helping some anglers catch more fish and enjoy their time on the water, particularly in booming Victorian stocked impoundment fisheries for Murray cod and golden perch such as Lake Eildon, Lake Hume and Rocklands Reservoir.”
“We have bag and size limits, record stocking of more than 11.5 million fish in 2023-24 and habitat restoration to ensure the sustainability of our fish stocks, which are in excellent health.
