Project Dates: 15.10.24 to 15.10.25

Scientists and fishers have discovered a new and environmentally friendly way of catching scallops. Whilst trialing a new method of catching lobster and crab, it was proven that attaching special underwater ‘disco’ lights to fishing pots attracts scallops. This reduces the need for traditional dredging which causes damage to the marine environment.

This discovery paves the way for  the creation of a new low-impact inshore fishery. The project is developing innovative new ways of fishing, helping local Devon based fishers use cutting-edge technology to protect the marine environment.

Based in Brixham, the Disco Scallop team along with Devon based fisheries consultants, Fishtek, will work on trialing the equipment and collecting data.

Key project deliverables include:

• To prove the commercial viability of scallop potting to inshore potting vessels using the ‘disco’ method.
• To provide a real alternative to harvesting scallops by dredging, and therefore greatly reducing damage to marine environments.
• By proving the concept, to create a real change to the industry, not just in the UK but globally.

 

This project has been generously enabled thanks to a donation from Rockfish.

See Jan 2025 press coverage of this project HERE and on DEF’s instagram HERE.

See all the projects DEF has funded to date HERE and help us enable more nature restoration in Devon HERE.

Image credits: Fishtek

IMPACT SUMMARY JANUARY 2026

Project Activities:

• The project has built a strong, recognisable brand that has been instrumental in building demand for pot-caught scallops. From the trademark and visual identity to the project’s tone of voice and storytelling, the Disco Scallops™ name is becoming synonymous with a scallop that’s better for the ocean, better for fishermen, and better on the plate.
• Disco Scallops were named Winners of the Food Innovation prize at the BBC Food & Farming Awards 2025, securing national press attention and cementing their position as a major innovation in the future of UK seafood.
• The project has begun developing the supply chain infrastructure needed to support this fishery long-term — identifying potential processing partners, understanding the transport realities, and modelling different wholesale scenarios to accommodate growth.
• The project has gained significant media attention, featuring in BBC News, ITV, The Independent, The Times and The Standard.

 

Project Impact:

• The project has proven that pot-caught scallops can be landed at commercial scale, and that there’s real market demand for them. To date, the project has seen multiple landings from fishermen in the Southwest and Northeast of England. Through the project there has been the successful sale of tens of thousands of scallops through Rockfish’s restaurants and Online Seafood Market (OSM).
• The project has shown that there is overwhelming customer interest, validating that people do care about where their scallops come from, how they’re caught, and who benefits.
• The project has helped build public awareness around scallop dredging and its destructive environmental impact. From collaborations with chefs to social media content and speaking events, they have helped connect the dots between scallop sourcing and seabed destruction, and offered a hopeful, delicious alternative.