This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: New research has shown that a "floating scarecrow" developed by U.K.-based scientists and a repurposed bird-scaring kite can help save threatened seabirds from getting caught in fishing nets. Every year, an estimated 95,000 diving seabirds like guillemots and razorbills are incidentally caught and drown in gillnets around the coast of Europe.
The issue, known as "bycatch," is a global problem that affects a range of seabird species. Now, research with Cornish fishermen has shown how the simple deterrents, when deployed strategically, can reduce bycatch by around two-thirds. Scientists from Devon-based Fishtek Marine jointly developed a floating scarecrow known as a Looming Eye Buoy (LEB) with the RSPB.
It was tested off the coast of Cornwall alongside an alternative deterrent: a commercially available kite in the shape of a bird of prey, known as the "scarybird" kite. The LEB has a spinning head that uses an animated eye effect to scare birds away from diving into the nets. Data from the trials were analyzed by scientists from the University of Exeter.
The results of their study, published in the journal Conservation Letters, show that both devices decreased the risk of guillemots and razorbills being caught in nets by around two-thirds. The chances of birds being caught were reduced by 59% using LEBs and by 71% using kites. The data were collected as part of a two-year trial led by Fishtek Marine with 10 Cornish fishermen.
Cameras fitted to their boats collected data on the devices' effects on seabird bycatch levels. The partnership with fishermen has been critical to improving the designs and gaining insight into how the devices can be used most effectively. The research found that in Cornwall, most seabirds were caught during the winter months.
This will help ensure that future deployments of these seabird bycatch reduction devices can be targeted to specific seasons. Tom Horton, lead author from the University of Exeter, said, "This study provides some of the strongest evidence to date that simple, practical deterrents can substantially reduce seabird bycatch in gillnet fisheries. By also identifying when and where bycatch risk is highest, we now have a clear opportunity to target mitigation measures where they can deliver the greatest conservation benefit for vulnerable seabird populations and encourage sustainable fishing practices." Tom Hooper, senior fisheries scientist at Fishtek Marine, said, "These trials have been very encouraging and show that floating deterrents can make a real difference in protecting seabirds from getting caught in fishing gear.
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