This project aimed to quantify the overlap of mapped seabed assemblages with trawl footprints, and with areas of spatial management that prohibit trawling, by building on previously collated data and assemblage mapping — as well as data for State and Commonwealth demersal trawling effort, fishery closures and marine reserves and protected areas.

Fishing is an important economic and social activity for many Australians. Both commercial and recreational fishing provide employment and income, particularly in coastal areas of the country, as well as a range of other lifestyle and health benefits for the Australian community. The fishing sector faces many challenges, and is in many cases undergoing rapid...