A successful trial of fishing rope that sinks rather than floats shows it could be a simple and low-cost way to prevent whale deaths, conservationists said. A successful trial of fishing rope that sinks rather than floats shows it could be a simple and low-cost way to prevent whale deaths, conservationists said. Previous research has shown that in Scottish waters around six humpback whales, 30 minke whales and 29 basking sharks become entangled annually. The fishing crews involved in the trial, which covered 1,545 hauls of creel pots over 18 months, reported back on the new rope. The Scottish Creel Fishermen's Federation (SCFF) partnered WDC in the project.

Source: Irish Examiner May 23, 2024 11:43 UTC