A super trawler is moored at Albany on Western Australia's southern coast and could soon be fishing in waters off the historic town.
On Friday when the Geelong Star was tied up at Albany Port, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority said compliance and bycatch officers had inspected the vessel and confirmed it met conditions for entry.
AFMA said bycatch mitigation devices including a marine mammal excluder and seabird scaring devices had been checked, and detailed information was collected to help ensure catch limits were complied with.
AFMA said it would now work with the company that contracted the vessel, Seafish Tasmania Pty Ltd, as well as crew and bycatch experts to finalise a management plan to which the Geelong Star must work to.
But Stop The Trawler Alliance is unconvinced non-target marine wildlife and other recreational and commercial fisheries won't be affected.
