Efficacy of Acoustic Deterrants to Mitigate Seal Depredation on Fishing Catch

To improve specificity of advice given by the Authority's family to enable sustainable marine fishing activity by reducing conflict between the commercial fishing industry and seals. The Authority seeks better understanding of non-lethal Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) (technology that kept wild animals away from human activities (in this case keeping seals away from fishing activity)) as a method for mitigating seal depredation. The overall aim of this project is to assess the efficacy of deterrent technologies in mitigating seal depredation. The project will: - clarify what impacts may result to the fishing industry, managers and seals of using such non-lethal deterrents - field test non-lethal deterrents from inshore fishing vessels - increase understanding of effectiveness of non-lethal deterrents - identify barriers for use of non-lethal deterrents within inshore fleet