Atlantis Fisheries Consulting Group, acting on behalf of Muollo Fishing, lodged an application on December 8 with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority to pair trawl for an initial 12-month period.

The independent Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) commission was asked to make a determination on pair trawling in the Commonwealth Small Pelagic Fishery – without considering Muollo Fishing’s specific application – and approved an 18-month trial.

Pair trawling is carried out by two boats with each vessel towing two cables that connect it to the net.

The proposed vessels, the 31-metre trawler Saxon Onward will be based in Ulladulla and the 35-metre trawler Lukina II to be based in Eden.

Commercial fisherman, recreational fishing groups and conservationists say this method will deplete fish stocks, threaten protected species and may wipe out local businesses entirely.

Fisherman, Danny McDermott said the introduction of pair trawling in the water off Ulladulla may wipe out species relied upon by local boats. 

“We don't agree with what they are going to be doing, which is catch all the pelagic fish like mackerel,” Mr McDermott said. 

“They are doing to destroy the mackerel. This will affect the tuna fishermen, the trawlers because it’s taking away the feed and it will do a lot of damage to the tourist dollars because there wont be the marlin around.”

Mr McDermott said the pair trawlers will take bait fish that lure fish to the region.

“If you could see there was money coming into the area or the community you might be able to agree with it, but they will be unloading and sending them straight to the fish plants,” he said.

“I don't know how the tuna boats will go, they are taking the major fish the tuna, marlin and big-fins feed on.

“These boats will have to travel even further off the coast, putting their lives at risk. Once you get a certain way from the coast you are by yourself.”