Summary
A mechanical separating bycatch reduction device was tested in the Spencer Gulf king prawn trawl fishery to reduce the incidental capture of giant cuttlefish (Sepia apama) and blue swimmer crabs (Portunus armatus). Different sizes of Nordmore grids were tested. Two Nordmore grids were inserted into the posterior extension sections and triangular escape exits were cut out. One grid was located in the extension with an angle of -45 degrees (small grid) and the second large grid was set at a 30 degree angle in the extension. The large Nordmore grid significantly reduced bycatch of cuttlefish and blue swimmer crabs by 30-50%. Catches of king prawn were not impacted by the use of Nordmore grids.