The South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association (SETFIA) says new peer-reviewed research has confirmed what commercial fishers have long observed first-hand: marine seismic surveys can have substantial and prolonged impacts on commercial fishing.
The newly published study examined the impacts of a large-scale marine seismic survey conducted in Bass Strait by a foreign company in 2020 across traditional fishing grounds.
It found catch rates for school whiting were reduced by 99 per cent immediately following the survey, with significant impacts persisting for up to 10 months. Tiger flathead catch rates were also reduced by 68 per cent immediately after the survey.
SETFIA chief executive officer Simon Boag said the findings provide strong evidence that seismic surveys can materially reduce commercial catches.
“This research validates the experiences of commercial fishers who have consistently reported reduced catches following seismic surveys,” Mr Boag said.
“The impacts identified in this study are extremely concerning for fishing businesses, regional communities and fisheries management.”
The study involved a large-scale, fishery-independent impact assessment across 11,000 square kilometres of fishing grounds off Lakes Entrance in south-east Australia.
It also highlighted the risk that seismic survey impacts can distort commercial catch-rate data used in stock assessments to determine sustainable catch limits.
SETFIA said the findings reinforce the need for stronger scrutiny of seismic survey proposals in productive fishing regions, and for meaningful engagement with commercial fishing operators before approvals are granted.
“The research clearly demonstrates that assumptions of negligible impact are not appropriate in all fisheries,” Mr Boag said.
“Science-based decision-making is critical, but it must be grounded in real-world fishery impacts.”
