Floating scarecrows: how Cornish fishers are stopping seabirds drowning in their nets
A two-year study in Cornwall has demonstrated that simple visual deterrents, such as bird-shaped kites and 'looming-eyes' buoys, can significantly reduce seabird bycatch in gillnets. Researchers found these devices cut the accidental drowning of species like razorbills and guillemots by up to 71%.
Why it matters
This research offers a practical, low-cost solution to a major conservation issue, potentially saving tens of thousands of seabirds annually from accidental entanglement in commercial fishing gear.
Cornish fishing vessels were used to test the deterrent effect of the towed ‘scarecrow’ buoy. Photograph: Nina Constable Media Cornish fishing vessels were used to test the deterrent effect of the towed ‘scarecrow’ buoy. Photograph: Nina Constable Media Fishing 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
Prefer the Guardian on Google Bird-shaped kites and a floating scarecrow are being tested to try to stop endangered seabirds drowning in fishing nets.
Every year an estimated 95,000 diving birds, including razorbills and guillemots, are accidentally caught in nets off European coasts.
But simple deterrents tested by Cornish fishers and devised by scientists and the RSPB have been shown to reduce the toll by about two-thirds.
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