The Firth of Lorn Bycatch Project

Preventing Tangle Net By-Catch

Bottom set tangle nets are used to capture Crawfish (Palinurus elephas). These long rectangular nets are weighted on one long edge, set over rocky reefs, and float in an upright position in the water column. Crawfish become tangled as they walk over the reef. Tangle nets are very effective, and with Crawfish having a high market value, fishermen are reluctant to stop using them. These nets often capture and drown porpoise, seals and dolphins. These tangle nets are used in an area called the Firth of Lorn in the Hebrides

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HWDT are part funders in a project that is looking to reduce the environmental impacts of tangle net use. The project is being conducted in conjunction with local tangle net fishermen. The aim is to replace tangle nets with large creels designed for the capture of Crawfish. These are provided to tangle net fishermen in exchange for their nets. Data is being collected during the 2 year project to monitor the effectiveness of tangle net replacement.

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It is hoped that there will be direct reduction in the loss of dolphin, porpoise and seals through accidental entanglement, therefore safeguarding their important ecological role as top predators. The project will also reduce catches of Crawfish to a level which will sustain the fishery in the long-term and encourage and promote the effectiveness of sustainable fishing practices locally. This will be the first time that such a project has taken place in Scottish waters. It is hoped that this will be the first in a series of sustainable fisheries methods to be introduced to the area. The success of the proposed project will be significant in developing the working relationship with local fishermen and building momentum to move into future sustainable fishing method projects. The project has been set up through Fishing Working Group of the Firth of Lorn Marine Special Areas of Conservation (mSAC) Management Forum, to which HWDT is an advisor. This Forum has been formed by the Marine Natura Office of Argyll and Bute Council to create management plans for the Firth of Lorn. The Forum is comprised of representatives from local communities including fishermen, local businesses including dive and charter boat operators and relevant statutory authorities who meet to discuss strategies for managing conservation issues in the mSACs.
For more information on bycatch issues please click here
For more information about the Firth of Lorn SAC and other SACs in the Argyll area click here

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