Seismic surveys in the Bass Strait are substantially disturbing local marine activity, an article in the Marine Environmental Research journal has reported.
The research, published in April but conducted in early 2020, showed catch rates for the East Gippsland commercial fishing industry had decreased by up to 99% for species such as whiting.
Flathead were also observed to have a decreased catch rate of 75% ,immediately following a survey.
Marine seismic surveying (MSS) is a practice utilised often to scour the seabed for deposits of oil and gas.
The practice, which involves using an airgun to blast the sea floor, is controversial for conservationists and fishing groups alike.
Conservationists argue the use of an airgun substantially harms the ecosystem of areas in which tests are conducted, as fish are disturbed and flee to calmer waters.
Fishing groups similarly argue the impact of this disturbance on catch rates results in a significant decline for commercial fishers’ revenues.
This research report is the first time that a definitive link has been found between MSS surveys and catch rate reductions.
The effects of the testing also last for a considerable amount of time, with the report proving that catch rates for whiting remained 98% lower for almost 300 days.
RMIT University marine ecosystems senior researcher Dr Paul Carnell said the report provides valuable insight into an area difficult to study.
He says that the waters off the Gippsland coast are “notorious” for their poor conditions.
“The Sydney to Hobart tells us every year how dangerous it is to be out there.”
“They’re really hard places to get this kind of information.”
Dr Carnell said the findings tell a much broader story than harm to fishing.
“Obviously by them altering their behaviour, they may be swimming further, they may not be feeding in their preferred areas.”
“So that will be having impacts on the ecology of these fish that’s not really covered by any other work so far.”
“We need to be knowing more about the impacts that this could be having.”
Organisations such as the South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association, the Greens Party and local conservation groups have previously called for an end to the practice in the Bass Strait and beyond.
