Low-Cost Net Lighting Could Cut Turtle Bycatch in Fisheries
Researchers from a British university have outlined a budget-friendly strategy to shield endangered sea turtles from fishing nets without harming legitimate fishing activities. The approach centers on making nets glow briefly so that turtles are deterred from entering or remaining near gear used in purse seine operations. The work appears in a respected fisheries science journal, highlighting practical steps for adapting current practices in commercial fleets while protecting vulnerable marine life in busy coastal waters.
Across the Mediterranean region, an estimated 40,000 green and loggerhead turtles are killed each year due to bycatch in purse seine nets. This mortality toll is a stark reminder of the fragile balance between fishing livelihoods and the survival of species that rely on shared ecosystems. Bycatch remains a persistent challenge in modern fisheries, demanding solutions that are effective, scalable, and easy to implement on diverse vessels.
In a series of field trials, the research team tested a simple lighting solution designed to be added to existing net structures. The prototype, named NetLight, is a compact, long-lasting lamp that can be attached to the ropes and webbing of fishing nets. The device emits a soft, steady light that is visible to sea life but does not interfere with the operation of the nets or the catch. The concept leverages the natural tendency of many marine species to avoid illuminated barriers or obstructions, guiding them away from the gear before entanglement can occur.
Cyprus served as a testing ground for these trials, where illuminated nets demonstrated a meaningful drop in bycatch. Turtle detentions declined by about 42 percent in the tested conditions, while the bycatch of endangered stingrays fell by roughly 53 percent. The results offer a promising glimpse into how a relatively simple modification to gear can produce measurable conservation benefits without imposing heavy costs on fishermen. The straightforward design of NetLight means it could be integrated with minimal disruption to existing fishing practices, making adoption more likely across fleets of varying sizes and capabilities.
Beyond the immediate benefits in the Mediterranean, the lighting approach has wider implications for bycatch reduction across different ocean regions. The concept can be adapted to suit other gear types and environmental contexts, with attention to local turtle migration patterns, seasonal fishing pressure, and fleet economics. Because the solution is low-cost and easy to retrofit, it aligns with the needs of small-scale fishers as well as larger commercial operators who seek practical tools to improve sustainability metrics while maintaining productivity.
Environmental engineers involved in the project emphasize that the NetLight system is only one part of a broader strategy to minimize bycatch. Effective bycatch management also includes careful gear design, time-area closures during peak turtle activity, and education for fishing crews on best practices. When implemented together, these measures can help reduce adverse interactions between humans and protected species without creating undue burdens on coastal economies. The research suggests that a combination of predictable lighting cues and responsible harvesting schedules can change how sea life interacts with nets, lowering the risk of entanglement and mortality.
In terms of practical deployment, the NetLight device offers several advantages. It is designed to be durable under sea conditions, uses energy-efficient power sources, and is easy to install on rope systems already in place on many vessels. The modular nature of the device means it can be positioned at key points along the net, maximizing effectiveness while remaining simple to inspect and replace when necessary. Operators could potentially monitor the status of the lights with basic maintenance routines, ensuring consistent performance across fishing trips.
While the comparative reductions reported in the trials are encouraging, researchers caution that ongoing monitoring is essential. Bycatch patterns can shift with changes in ocean conditions, turtle movement, and fishing pressure. Continuous data collection helps determine the long-term effectiveness of lighting solutions and informs adjustments to deployment strategies. The goal is to build an adaptable toolkit for fisheries management that supports conservation goals without compromising the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Overall, the NetLight initiative represents a pragmatic step toward more responsible fishing practices. The emphasis on affordability, ease of use, and compatibility with existing gear makes it a compelling option for immediate consideration by fisheries managers, conservation groups, and fishing crews in North America as well as Europe and beyond. As additional studies explore the technology under different environmental regimes, stakeholders will gain clearer guidance on where and when lighting-based bycatch reduction is most impactful, helping to preserve sea turtle populations for future generations while sustaining productive fisheries today.