Whale Interactions

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Code of Practice

This Code of Practice summarises legal requirements and additional steps fishers should take to minimise interactions with whales during the migration period, including rope length/weight and float requirements

Mandatory Gear Modifications

Gear modification measures required to reduce whale interactions during the migration period 1 May to 31 October inclusive each year.

1. The modified gear requirements can be found in clause 26A of the Management Plan.

Use of pot lines and float rigs

(1) This clause applies to the use of pot lines and float rigs used to fish for rock lobster during the period commencing on 1 April in any year and ending on 31 October in that same year.

(2) The master of an authorised boat must ensure that -

(a) the maximum length of the pot line is equal to two times the depth of the water being fished;

(b) the top third of the length of the pot line is held as close to vertical in the water column as possible, by the use of weighted rope or by a weight attached to the rope;

(d) the float rig is no more than 9.1 metres long; and

(e) the float rig is attached to -
(i) no more than two surface floats when used in waters less than or equal to 54.9 metres in depth; or
(ii) no more than three surface floats when used in waters greater than 54.9 metres in depth.

(3) The master of an authorised boat must ensure that a pot line is pulled a minimum of once every seven days.

(4) Subclause (2) does not apply to the use of a pot line used to fish for rock lobster that is less than or equal to 32.9 metres long.

(5) When a pot line used to fish for rock lobster is less than or equal to 32.9 metres long, the master of an authorised boat must ensure that -

(a) the combined pot line and float rig used to fish for rock lobster is less than or equal to 32.9 metres in length; and

(b) no more than two surface floats are attached to the float rig.

2. Additional requirements during the whale mitigation period include:

a) a line must have a weight attached, or weighted rope must be used.

b) All pots must be pulled at least once every 7 days, regardless of the water depth in which they are set.

3. Reduced pot usage (‘50% pot usage’) starts from 1 May – 31 October.

4. Fishers are required to provide information regarding the number of pots left in the water at the end of a trip. This requirement applies year-round.

For detailed instructions on accurately recording “Total pots left in the water” in Fish Eye and CDR forms, please click here

What to do if encountering a whale entanglement

Gear modification measures required to reduce whale interactions during the migration period 1 May to 31 October inclusive each year.

Report entanglements as soon as possible: Rapid reporting ensures that entanglement response teams have the best chance of successfully disentangling the whales. Fishers should monitor the entanglement situation, prioritising the safety of both the vessel and the whale, until assistance teams arrive.
Stand by the entangled whale: When feasible, standing by the entangled whale helps the disentanglement team locate the whale more quickly and gather all necessary information from the fisher before attempting disentanglement.
DO NOT attempt to cut the whale free: The attached line provides a safe working line for the disentanglement team.
Be cooperative when responding to entanglements: Fishers have the option to participate voluntarily in Department of Parks and Wildlife training programs for involvement in disentanglement operations. This training ensures that fishers are familiar with procedures and acquainted with disentanglement team personnel.

To notify of an entanglement

Please call: 08 9219 9890 or Wildcare Helpline on 08 9474 9055