Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
Question on Notice No. 1538 |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Nov 10 2004 |
| Questions On Notice >> |
MR LAWLOR asked the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries (MR PALASZCZUK)-
QUESTION:
With reference to pages 1 -28 of the Ministerial Portfolio Statement -Will he provide an update on the research work being undertaken to reduce the entanglements of marine mammals in gear from the shark control program operating off 87 of Queensland's beaches?
ANSWER:
Drumlines
A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries scientist currently working on the Shark Safety Program (SSP), is trialling several hook types and their likelihood of reducing the bycatch of non-shark species (particularly turtles) on drumlines. The types of hook used in the trial incorporate a plastic sleeve that is designed to reduce the probability of a turtle being caught while still allowing a shark to strike and be caught on the hook. Preliminary results are positive with the hook being easy to bait and no other logistic problems identified.
Baits including whole chicken and chicken frames have been trialled off the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Although turtles have not been caught using these baits, it has been observed that some baits can be scavenged by dolphins.
In collaboration with researchers in Hawaii, other artificial baits (including wasabi) are also being tested.
Acoustic Warning and Deterrent Devices
A new acoustic alarm (pinger) (designed by Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries staff in Cairns) that produces louder sounds and of a more audible frequency to marine mammals and turtles has recently been trialled on nets off the Gold Coast.
Research is also focussing on devices that are more detectable by individual species of marine mammals as there are views that juvenile animals have difficulty in interpreting the sounds being emitted by the pinger when adults have learned to avoid the nets.
Investigations into the commercially available personal electronic anti-shark deterrent devices have found them to be unsuitable as a large-scale deterrent device in open ocean conditions.
Irrawaddy dolphins located around Cairns are a particular focus of the research program. Pingers have had a significant impact on reducing the catch of these dolphins and hence the need for continued monitoring of these alarms in the Cairns area.
Shark Nets
Extensive discussions with numerous experts, mammal behaviourists, fishers, and contractors have yielded few fruitful avenues for further research on bycatch minimisation in nets.
Investigations on "reflectors" that increase the sonar size of the nets and a metallic threaded mesh were investigated to assess their suitability to the SSP equipment. These visual deterrents or "scarecrows" to dolphins and turtles continue to be investigated. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 11:00 PM
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