Download AEBR 349 Review of New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) mitigation technology

Underwood, M.J.; Jones, E.G.; Roberts, J.O.; Wells, R. (2025). Review of New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) mitigation technology. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 349. 79 p

The New Zealand fur seal faces threats from disease, climate change effects on their prey, and interactions with commercial fishing. This project aimed to identify areas where New Zealand fur seals and fisheries interact and evaluate ways to reduce these interactions, while balancing conservation and fishing needs.

In some areas around New Zealand, at different times of the year, hoki, middle depth, southern arrow squid, and southern blue whiting trawl fisheries pose the highest fishery-risk to New Zealand fur seals. Lower risk are shark, flatfish, minor set net fisheries, and the southern bluefin tuna surface longline fishery.

A literature review examined potential options to reduce New Zealand fur seal interactions. For trawl fisheries, solutions included a Seal Exclusion Device (optimised for New Zealand fur seals), net binding during shooting, and net constriction during hauling. Acoustic devices, designed to cause a startled response in fur seals, showed promise for set net fisheries. Switching from set net to demersal longlining or potting might also be an option. In surface longline fisheries, covering the catch or using acoustic devices may be a solution, although have not commonly been used for seals and sea lions.

Mitigation success varies by target species, fishery, and gear type, so a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective. This study emphasises the need for research to develop and refine mitigation techniques specifically for New Zealand fur seals. Understanding the interactions between New Zealand fur seals and fishing operations is crucial for effective risk reduction.