Buoys with looming eyes deter seaducks and could potentially reduce seabird bycatch in gillnets. Issue 5 (5th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rouxel, Yann; Crawford, Rory; Cleasby, Ian R.; Kibel, Pete; Owen, Ellie; Volke, Veljo; Schnell, Alexandra K.; Oppel, Steffen
• Is Part Of: Royal Society open science. Volume 8:Issue 5(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-05
• Subjects: gillnet -- bycatch -- seabirds -- deterrent -- mitigation measures -- marine conservation; Science -- Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210225
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-5703

Abstract

Abstract : Bycatch of seabirds in gillnet fisheries is a global conservation issue with an estimated 400 000 seabirds killed each year. To date, no underwater deterrents trialled have consistently reduced seabird bycatch across operational fisheries. Using a combination of insights from land-based strategies, seabirds' diving behaviours and their cognitive abilities, we developed a floating device exploring the effect of large eyespots and looming movement to prevent vulnerable seabirds from diving into gillnets. Here, we tested whether this novel above-water device called 'Looming eyes buoy' (LEB) would consistently deter vulnerable seaducks from a focal area. We counted the number of birds present in areas with and without LEBs in a controlled experimental setting. We show that long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis abundance declined by approximately 20–30% within a 50 m radius of the LEB and that the presence of LEBs was the most important variable explaining this decline. We found no evidence for a memory effect on long-tailed ducks but found some habituation to the LEB within the time frame of the project (62 days). While further research is needed, our preliminary trials indicate that above-water visual devices could potentially contribute to reduce seabird bycatch if appropriately deployed in coordination with other management measures.