Floating scarecrows: how Cornish fishers are stopping seabirds drowning in their nets
Simple deterrents can slash the number of razorbills and guillemots being trapped underwater, two-year study shows
TL;DR
- Bird-shaped kites and floating scarecrows are being tested to prevent seabirds from drowning in fishing nets.
- An estimated 95,000 diving birds are accidentally caught in nets off European coasts annually.
- Simple deterrents, including a looming-eyes buoy (LEB) and a scarybird kite, have shown significant success.
- A two-year trial by Cornish fishers and scientists found LEBs reduced seabird bycatch by 59%, and kites by 71%.
- The research revealed most seabirds are caught in winter, allowing for seasonal targeting of these deterrents.
- These practical deterrents offer a way to reduce seabird bycatch without impeding fishing operations.