Moves to cut risk of snaring whales off Scottish coast

MORE than 30 whales per year are snared by fishing equipment in Scotland, according to a study.

Researchers interviewed commercial creel fishermen from around the Scottish coast and found that an estimated six humpback whales and 30 minke whales became entangled in fishing ropes every year.

The study has also found that fishing ropes that sink rather than float, used to connect creels – large wicker baskets that hold catches – could cut the risk of harm to the animals.

Ropes linking creels, set around Scotland’s coast to catch prawns, crabs and lobsters, can lead to whales and other marine animals such as basking sharks and dolphins becoming trapped.

While not all entanglements are fatal, even those where animals survive pose serious problems for the creatures’ welfare.

The Scottish fishing industry is currently trialling rope that sinks for its groundlines.

The study by the Scottish Entanglement Alliance (SEA) brought together figures from government, academia, charities and the fishing industry

Russell Leaper, from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said: “There is now a legal obligation in Scotland for fishers to report entanglements.

“Here in Scotland, we can see a way forward, and the key to our success is working together with fishers.”

Bally Philp, from the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation, an SEA partner, said: “It’s great to see Scotland’s fishermen are at the forefront of understanding and addressing the issue of marine animal entanglement and we hope to continue the collaborative approach in partnership with government, NGOS and researchers.”