Floating scarecrows: how Cornish fishers are stopping seabirds drowning in their nets
Summary
Scientists and fishers in Cornwall are testing bird-shaped kites and a floating scarecrow buoy to stop seabirds from drowning in fishing nets. These devices have cut seabird deaths by up to two-thirds in trials, offering a way to protect endangered birds without harming fishing activities.Key Facts
- About 95,000 diving seabirds die each year after getting caught in fishing nets off European coasts.
- Simple devices like a floating scarecrow buoy with big eyes and bird-shaped kites were tested to scare birds away from nets.
- The floating scarecrow buoy reduced seabird capture by 59%, while the kites reduced it by 71%.
- Ten Cornish fishers and Fishtek Marine worked together to test these devices over two years.
- Cameras on fishing boats monitored how seabirds reacted to the devices.
- Most seabird deaths in Cornwall happen during winter, helping target when to use these deterrents.
- The research was done by the University of Exeter and published in a scientific journal called Conservation Letters.
- The RSPB supports the use of these tools as a major step to protect seabirds while allowing fishing to continue safely.
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