Mitigating threatened species by catch in gillnet fisheries

This project aimed to address the challenge of mitigating bycatch of threatened species in Australian gillnet fisheries, particularly in northern Australia where species like sawfishes, river sharks, and devil rays are significantly impacted. While Australian prawn trawl gear has successfully implemented bycatch reduction devices, gillnets have seen less attention despite their overlap with critical habitats of threatened species. The project focused on testing novel mitigation devices such as static green LED lights and the SharkGuard electric deterrent, alongside evaluating alternative gears to gillnets in the NT Barramundi Fishery. Trials aimed to assess these devices' effectiveness in reducing bycatch levels while minimizing impacts on target species, offering tested solutions for industry and management to implement in northern gillnet fisheries. Successful outcomes could potentially lead to significant reductions in bycatch of EPBC Act listed threatened and migratory species, benefiting marine conservation efforts in the region.