The Scottish Government discussed the issues of cetacean deaths from entanglements with fishing lines, especially in the creeling sector
The Scottish Government has engaged in discussions with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) regarding their research into reducing cetacean deaths caused by fishing line entanglements.
This issue was highlighted during a parliamentary session, where Kenneth Gibson (SNP) inquired about the government’s actions on the matter.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform, and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, acknowledged the importance of the research and the government’s commitment to addressing the issue. She emphasized the government’s intention to work with stakeholders to minimize bycatch and entanglement of sensitive marine species through the future catching policy. This effort aligns with Scotland’s broader goal of ensuring sustainable fisheries.
Kenneth Gibson pointed out the Fisheries Minister the extent of the entanglements issue. He said:
“Creeling is a low-impact form of fishing. However, rope that is used to connect the creels is causing an ever-greater number of cetaceans, including porpoises, humpback whales and minke whales, as well as basking sharks, to drown after being entangled. A trial of sinking ground line, which is only slightly heavier than standard rope, with creel boats that are operated around the north-west Highlands, has proved to be a simple and effective method of reducing the risk of entanglement in static gear. Therefore, will the Scottish Government explore facilitating wider roll-out of sinking ground line across the static-gear fleet to ensure that Scotland retains its position as a European leader in marine mammal conservation?”
Gougeon confirmed that the government would consider the research findings and incorporate them into discussions at a stakeholder workshop on sensitive species bycatch planned for the summer. She expressed support for the fishing industry’s initiatives to trial solutions that reduce marine animal entanglements. She stated:
“Our vision for fisheries in Scotland has sustainable management at its heart, and we support good practice by the fishing industry. We are really pleased to see the level of support from fishers to trial solutions that will reduce marine animal entanglements as part of the project.”
Beatrice Wishart (LD) raised concerns about the risks of entanglement to seabirds and shipping, citing an incident where ghost fishing gear damaged the propeller of the NorthLink freight vessel MV Helliar, disrupting lifeline services. She questioned the government’s efforts to prevent ghost fishing gear and reduce related entanglements.
In response, Gougeon highlighted the seabird conservation strategy and ongoing work to develop a European standard for the recyclability and circularity of fishing and aquaculture gear. She mentioned the government’s involvement in initiatives like the Global Ghost Gear Initiative and KIMO International’s Fishing for Litter project, aimed at promoting best practices and mitigating the impact of lost fishing gear.