Geelong Star dolphin deaths 'distressing'

The federal government says attempts have been made in the past to prevent dolphin deaths caused by commercial fishing.

It was revealed in April the controversial 95-metre Geelong Star trawler killed protected seals and dolphins in its giant net as it began fishing off the Australian coastline, sparking outrage among conservationists.

"Everyone engaged in this regardless of perspective is unhappy about these mortalities. They are clearly very distressing," parliamentary secretary Richard Colbeck told a Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday.