$3.9 million to stop protected species being caught in fishing gear

The Albanese Labor Government is investing $3.9 million to help stop threatened and migratory species being caught as ‘bycatch’ in fishing gear in Australian waters.

The Bycatch Mitigation Program is providing grants between $50,000 and $500,000 to support new ways of avoiding protected species being harmed and killed by fishing gear and build on the sustainability of Australia’s fisheries.

Bycatch reduction technologies include things like ‘trap doors’ which allow turtles to swim free from fishing nets make significant improvements to the protection of marine wildlife.

Grants will also support new ways of using fishing gear and help to introduce new technologies to more boats.

Applications for the grants program are open until Monday 23 January 2023 for a range of eligible groups including fishing organisations, research providers and Indigenous organisations.

For more information: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/marine/marine-species/reducing-bycatch-threatened-migratory-species

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek:

“Australian fisheries are some of the best managed in the world – but there is always more to do when it comes to the conservation of our threatened and migratory species.

“That’s why I am pleased to announce the launch of the Threatened and Migratory Species Fisheries Bycatch Mitigation Grants Program.

“This program will help protect our protected species, such as sharks, turtles, dugongs, sawfish and albatross and other seabirds from accidentally ending up in fishing nets or on fishing lines.

“People will be able to apply for grants to develop or trial new technologies that help stop protected species being caught in fishing gear.

“These grants will bring industry and innovation together in order to make sure we’re doing all that we can to ensure our threatened and migratory wildlife has the best chance of survival in Australian waters.”