Protected Species Interaction Report Form
v1.4
Purpose. Records any interaction between fishing gear, farm structures or vessels and a protected species, for reporting to the fisheries and environment regulators.
1.When to use this form
Complete this form whenever a seal, sea lion, dolphin, whale, shark, turtle or seabird is caught, entangled, injured, killed or released from gear, nets or cages, or is struck by a vessel. Sightings within the gear that did not result in capture must also be recorded. One form is completed per animal per event.
2.Immediate actions
Release the animal alive where it is safe to do so, following the release methods in the training. Do not put crew at risk to release an animal. Photograph the animal and the gear where possible.
3.Identification
Record the species as accurately as possible using the identification guide on board, the estimated size, and the condition of the animal on release: alive and vigorous, alive and injured, or dead.
4.Reporting
The master or site manager must include the interaction in the catch report to the fisheries regulator and give the form to the Quality, Safety and Compliance team, who report to the environment regulator where required. Forms must be kept for seven years.
5.Review
Interactions are reviewed monthly to identify gear, location or method changes that reduce the risk of recurrence.