EnviroStrat led the development and testing of the prototype of a bycatch-free fish trap. The trap is designed to improve the selectivity of commercial fishing by eliminating bycatch of non-target species and juvenile fish, and removes risk to seabirds, and impacts on marine mammals. EnviroStrat thoroughly investigated the feasibility of the device and carried out a trial of the prototype in the Leigh Harbour lasting 5 months to test its effectiveness in meeting the success criteria for the project. A number of challenges with the design aspects of the prototype were identified and solutions to fix these were provided to improve the device’s effectiveness in meeting the success criteria.
