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.

Image credits: Fishtek