Floating 'Scarecrows' with Giant Eyes Used to Deter Seagulls from Fishing Nets

Scientists are deploying innovative devices, dubbed 'floating scarecrows,' off the coast of Cornwall, England, to prevent seabirds from becoming entangled in fishing nets. These devices, officially known as Looming Eye Buoys (LEBs), feature a rotating head with a prominent eye designed to mimic a predator and deter birds.

"The Looming Eye Buoy is essentially a rotating head with an eye, which gives the impression of an animated, or looming eye, which deters the birds from going near the fishing nets," explained Tom Hooper, senior fisheries scientist at Fishtek Marine.

A two-year trial involving 10 Cornish fishermen equipped their boats with cameras to monitor the effectiveness of these deterrents. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter, tested both LEBs and 'scarybird' kites, which are shaped like predatory birds.

The results demonstrated a significant reduction in seabird bycatch, the incidental capture of birds in fishing gear. The chances of guillemots and razorbills being caught in nets decreased by 59 percent when using LEBs. The use of scarybird kites proved even more effective, reducing bycatch by 71 percent.

Seabird bycatch is a considerable issue, resulting in approximately 95,000 seabirds drowning in nets annually around Europe's coastlines. This phenomenon affects various species, including guillemots and razorbills.

"This study provides some of the strongest evidence to date that simple, practical deterrents can substantially reduce seabird bycatch in gillnet fisheries," stated Tom Horton, lead author of the study from the University of Exeter. He added that identifying high-risk times and locations for bycatch offers an opportunity to implement targeted measures for conservation and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Hooper noted that for any technology to be effective at sea, it must be simple and robust. "Working with fishermen means that we learned a great deal about how the devices were used and as a result we can refine and improve so that it fits their operational needs."

This approach is not the first time scientists have utilized the deterrent effect of eyes. Earlier this year, researchers from the University of Exeter suggested attaching googly eyes to takeaway food packaging to deter seagulls. In that study, gulls were observed to be slower to approach and less likely to peck at food boxes adorned with eyes.

"Many animals – both wild and domesticated – are very aware of eyes, which can indicate the presence of a predator or be used to communicate intent," explained Dr. Laura Kelley, lead author of the food packaging study, in an article for The Conversation. "Direct eye contact often conveys aggression, while looking away indicates a lack of threat. Animals generally respond defensively when they see eyes staring at them."