‘Scallop discos’ offer environmentally friendly method to catch shellfish
A study shows the scallops are attracted to fishing pots illuminated with lights.
A chance discovery has led to an environmentally friendly fishing method for catching scallops using illuminated pots dubbed “scallop discos”.
The discovery, made through a partnership between marine scientists and fishermen in the south-west of England, could help create a new low-impact fishery to reduce the pressure from damaging dredging, the team said.
Most commercial scallop harvesting is carried out using dredges which are dragged over the seabed to scoop up the shellfish, harming sensitive habitats and species, while low-impact methods for harvesting them by diving produce a limited catch.
Scientists from Fishtek Marine, a Devon conservation engineering company focused on technology to reduce bycatch, were working with Newlyn-based Cornish fisherman Jon Ashworth to trial “Potlights”.
The small underwater lights, powered by two rechargeable AA batteries and clipped inside fishing pots, were developed by the company to bait crab and lobster pots, protecting fish stocks by removing the need to use fish as bait.
