Sea lions saved by fishing
innovation SPECIAL FISHING GEAR which enables sea lions to escape from fishing nets unharmed is working well according to the latest government research.
In the past, concerns were raised that sea lion exclusion devices (SLEDs), which are used to prevent accidental sea lion capture in the Auckland Islands squid fishery, may injure the animals. As part of the research to test the efficacy of SLEDs, more than 800 hours of footage was gathered over a two-year period to monitor the devices in action. During the video record only two marine mammals are known to have entered the trawl, a fur seal and a sea lion. In both cases the SLED worked as designed and the animals escaped unharmed. While sea lions do at times actively seek out fishing vessels in search of food, studies have shown that others consistently forage away from the squid grounds. The Auckland Islands' squid fishery overlaps their foraging area, but squid is not their main food source.
A range of air horns, designed specifically for use in the harsh marine environment. The complete range meets all local and international survey requirements.
Complete compressor and switching kits, and automated manoeuvring controllers available. Suitable for all sized vessels.
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GENERAL MARINE SERVICES LIMITED
Stockists of the entire range of Kahlenberg horns and accessories.
196 Pakenham Street West Westhaven Auckland New Zealand Phone: + 64 9 309 6317 Facsimile: + 64 9 309 6897 Email: sales@generalmarine.co.nz www.generalmarine.co.nz
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21/09/2009 7:29:14 p.m.
Helena Armiger OTOLITH LADY
COORDINATING SURVEY HELENA ARMIGER IS boat ramp coordinator of data collectors for the Hauraki Gulf and Lower East Northland for NIWA's recreational fishing survey.
Helena started working for the Ministry of Fisheries nearly 20 years ago while doing her masters degree at Auckland University, where she measured the calcium carbonate rings laid down in the otolith bone of the fish brain. Just like tree rings, otolith rings give an accurate measurement of the age of the fish. Although there are regional and seasonal variations in the relationship between fish length and age, Helena's research shows that a minimum length 270mm fish in the Hauraki Gulf might be five or six years old, a 350mm fish is around eight-11 years old, and a 450mm fish could be 14-16 years old. Data collectors are at many of New Zealand's marine boat ramps collecting recreational catch information this year. NIWA are collecting information from these surveys, along with aerial surveys, and a recreational fishing diary survey with about 7000 fishers, on when, where (the general area, not specific fishing spots), and how they fish, along with their total catch. The information gathered is being used by NIWA and MAF (now the Department of Primary Industries) to help better understand and manage New Zealand's fisheries.
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