Deepwater (scampi) trawl - Seabird interactions
Issue
Birds are attracted to scampi trawlers. Some birds get hit by or collide with trawl warps or are caught in the net when it is near the surface.
Risk
Indications from observer coverage indicate there may be a significant risk. However, no formal risk assessment has yet been done on this issue.
Extent of the issue
Scampi fisheries occurr along much of New Zealand's east coast in water depths around 200-500m. There has been some observer coverage in this fishery.
Trends
unknown
Current management
Industry have a voluntary code of practice in this fishery. However, regulations require any scampi vessel over 28 metres length to use bird-scaring devices when trawling - to keep birds away form trawl warps.
Future management
Fishing-related risks for all New Zealand seabird species will be assessed as part of New Zealand's National Plan of Action (NPoA) to reduce seabird capture in fisheries. Treatment plans will be developed where risks are considered above 'acceptable' levels.
Documents / links
Documents around NPOA seabirds / seabird standard; Abraham & Thompson 2008
