Simple devices cut seabird deaths in fishing nets by large margins

A collaboration between Cornish fishers, Fishtek Marine, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has shown that small, practical devices can sharply lower seabird deaths in fishing gear. Two innovations—a buoy designed to mimic a looming predator and a kite shaped like a bird—were deployed in local nets to discourage diving species like razorbills and guillemots from entering traps. Early results indicate these methods substantially cut the risk of seabirds becoming entangled, offering a scalable solution for fleets across European waters. The approach builds on past successes in other regions, where similar scare tactics have nearly eliminated bycatch in longline and trawl fisheries. For fishers, the devices provide an affordable way to protect both their catch and vulnerable wildlife without disrupting operations. Conservationists see potential in expanding the trial to identify the most effective designs and timing for deployment, particularly during peak seasons when seabirds are most at risk. The findings suggest that targeted, low-tech interventions can deliver meaningful protection for threatened species while supporting sustainable fishing practices.