A first-of-its kind study found that when attached to fishing nets, they dramatically reduce the incidental killing of sharks and other top predators that help keep marine ecosystems healthy and seafood on dinner plates.
The researchers from the United States and Mexico found that overall bycatch declined 63 per cent compared to control nets that were not lighted. That included a 51 per cent drop in the killing of endangered loggerhead turtles and an 81 per cent drop in the capture of giant Humboldt squid, another top predator. That meant that fishers improved their productivity as they spent 57 per cent less time untangling unwanted species from their nets, according to the researchers.
The researchers wrote that it was unclear if sharks and rays are disturbed by the LEDs and avoid nets, or if the illumination allows them to see the nets and steer clear of entanglement.