Overview of bycatch reduction devices

Trawl nets used in commercial fishing catch a wide variety of unwanted species (bycatch). Common bycatch species include:

• certain fish
• crustaceans
• molluscs
• sponges
• stingrays and sharks.

Legislation and mandatory use of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs)

The legislation governing the use of BRDs in Queensland's east coast trawl fishery is the Fisheries (Commercial Fisheries) Regulation 2019. Commercial fishers operating in this fishery must use at least 1 compliant BRD in each net used.

In order to comply with this BRD requirement, fishers must choose from approved BRD types when fishing with prawn nets in certain areas of the fishery. However, when using scallop nets, only a scallop square mesh codend is approved for use as a BRD.

Note: Turtle excluder devices (TEDs) are also mandatory in all otter trawl nets and some beam trawl nets.

Finding the most effective BRDs

A number of different BRDs can be used to exclude bycatch. Each BRD functions differently and each has different features that help to exclude different types of bycatch species. Based on scientific research into the most efficient BRDs to use on trawlers, Fisheries Queensland mandated the use of fisheye, square mesh codend or bigeye BRDs in the red spot king prawn sector and square mesh codend BRDs in the scallop sector.

Fisheries Queensland's research shows that different combinations of BRDs are required for different fisheries. In other words, 1 BRD type is not always suitable for all sectors.

BRDs in Queensland - case study video

Find out how BRDs contribute to sustainable trawl fishing in Queensland. This video explains recent advances in BRDs and how BRDs can benefit your business.

Also consider...

• Read research on improved bycatch reduction devices for the Queensland east coast otter trawl fishery.
• Find out more about turtle excluder devices (TEDs)