Controversial trawler Geelong Star has been given permission to resume fishing despite killing seven albatrosses.
The trawler has been ordered to stop fishing several times because it has killed dolphins and seals.
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has ordered operators of Geelong Star to add measures to lessen the risk of killing further seabirds.
After investigating the recent albatross mortalities, AFMA imposed conditions related to the use of the net sonde cable connecting a sonar device to the 95-metre factory trawler.
Seabirds seeking fish at the rear of the trawler were being hit by the line, often seriously injured or killed.
AFMA acting CEO Nick Rayns said based on advice from seabird experts, the amount of wire that was in the air had been significantly reduced.
“The remaining length of wire that is in the air must have highly visible streamer lines on either side of the cable,” he said.
“These measures are in addition to all existing seabird mitigation measures in place.
“AFMA also requires the vessel to stop fishing immediately if a single seabird is killed by the net sonde cable until AFMA has reviewed how the interaction occurred.
“AFMA will continue to monitor the fishing operations of the Geelong Star with onboard observers and electronic monitoring to ensure that all conditions are being complied with.
“All fishing poses risks that can sometimes lead to the unintentional harm to protected species.
“However, good fisheries management needs effective measures in place to minimise interactions with protected species.”
