Scallop dredgers cause severe ecological damage to the seabed. (Image: CBCK-Christine)
Around 95% of the scallops caught in British waters are snared by dredging, through which heavy machinery causes severe ecological damage to the seabed.
But scientists learned shellfish are drawn to flashing lights, so LED lights on fishing pods can attract them naturally.
Fishtek Marine has developed special pods alongside University of Exeter experts and now more than 40 boats are using the technology to catch what they are calling “disco scallops”.
Rachel Walker, of the Disco Scallop Collective team, said: “By putting modified pots in the water, fishermen can to diversify their catch and secure new income streams, while consumers gain access to a sustainable, seabed-safe scallops they can enjoy guilt-free.
Shellfish are natiurally attracted to light (Image: Getty)
“It’s exactly what environmentally conscious diners have been calling for.”
She added: “The hope is that a ripple effect will extend across the UK – more crab and lobster fishermen will learn how they can diversify their existing catch, moving toward a more secure and balanced future for their livelihoods.
“More restaurants will join the movement toward responsible sourcing, making this ethical alternative the new standard.”
Lead researcher Dr Robert Enever said: “We are trying to work out what motivates the scallop to go into a trap. We think it is incentivised to swim into the trap to sit under the light as it optimises their feeding.”
This innovation is exactly what environmentally conscious diners have been calling for (Image: Luis Diaz Devesa)
A spokesman for Natural England, which is the project’s main funder, said: “Such innovation can help reduce pressures on our seas, not least on our seabed, which remains some way off from reaching Good Ecological Status.
“Disco Scallops is a high quality, low-impact product that can command a premium price for the fisher with high-end restaurants being their target market.
“Fishtek Marine has helped facilitate the establishment of a marketing co-operative to help fishers get a fair price for their premium product as well.”