Conflicts between LCF gill net fishers and Long-nosed Fur Seals have escalated in recent years with the reported level of fur seal depredation of caught fish from, and damage to, gill nets now jeopardising the economic viability of the fishery. Representatives from the LCF estimate that fur seal depredation has reduced fishery production by approximately 25%. In 2012/13, a commercial LCF licence holder documented production losses of $76,000 over a 5 month period. At the same time, 19 other licence holders were experiencing similar or greater losses. Industry estimates that fur seal interactions are costing the fishery a wharf value loss of $2 million. Industry now questions whether the fishery will be viable in five years if alternative management strategies or options are not found to mitigate the impacts of interactions.

The need for alternative fishing methods and/or deterrent systems to reduce the impacts of fur seal depredation on the fishery is urgent, given the increasing economic impacts to the LCF fishers and the local communities that rely heavily on the fishing industry.