RESEARCHERS have begun trialing two new rock lobster pot designs in a bid to determine whether commercial fishers can use them to catch annual quotas more efficiently.
The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is leading a four-year trial of alternative pot designs in collaboration with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Ministster Tim Whetstone said the State Government and industry collaboration would seek to reduce business costs as well as delivering environmental benefits to South Australia.
“These sectors are particularly important to the regional communities they support,” he said.
“The State Government is keen to encourage industry sectors to improve their operations by utilising new technology.”
SARDI senior research scientist Dr Lachlan McLeay said the launch of the new pot designs would build on the success of trials in the Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fishery.
“We began our research with the industry in the 2015/16 season with five new pot designs, but our trials have narrowed down to two pots which could be capable of delivering results,” he said.
In 2016/17, South Australia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors produced about 67,000 tonnes of seafood, generating revenue of $908m.
