Trawlers come under Senate spotlight

The impact of super trawlers operating in Australian waters will be the subject of a parliamentary inquiry after the government failed in its bid to stop a probe of the controversial fishing method.

Labor on Monday called for the inquiry to look at the science and potential impacts of the factory-freezer-fitted vessels to determine the best regulatory and compliance arrangements.

The inquiry comes after the deaths of nine dolphins and other protected marine life, trapped and killed in the net of The Geelong Star, a 95-metre vessel which meets Australia's current super trawler guidelines.

The inquiry will be undertaken by the Senate Environment and Communications Committee.