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Entanglement in fishing gear is a global problem that poses a threat to wildlife and fishers wherever the two overlap. In Scotland, a diverse array of marine animals including whales, sharks and turtles inhabit our inshore waters, which also provide valuable mixed fishing grounds. The Scottish inshore fishing industry makes a significant contribution to the national economy and forms the backbone of many small coastal communities. However, with thousands of miles of associated rope and netting deployed in the water at any given time, large marine animals can and do become entangled in this. Entanglements can impair an animal’s ability to breathe, feed, swim and reproduce, resulting in serious welfare and conservation consequences. These incidents can also be distressing and potentially dangerous for those discovering them, and the financial cost to fishers through damaged or lost gear can be significant.
Ellie MacLennan co-ordinates the Scottish Entanglement Alliance (SEA), a partnership between seven organisations formed in 2018 dedicated to promoting and protecting Scotland’s wildlife, heritage and sustainable marine industries. Ellie will discuss the history of entanglement research in our waters including some recent cases, and how SEA is engaging with and supporting the Scottish creel fishing community to develop sustainable, proportional industry-led mitigation strategies to reduce entanglement risk.
As well as coordinating the Scottish Entanglement Alliance, Ellie is a PhD researcher at the University of Glasgow. She lives on the Isle of Skye with her young son and her black labrador, Buster.
This event is a FREE online talk, but numbers are limited.
Please register to attend and please consider making a donation via our Just Giving page below or selecting a donation ticket to support our vital conservation and education work.
https://www.justgiving.com/scottishseabird-centre
All our education and conservation activities are designed to motivate people to make positive changes in their own lives to protect the marine environment now and in the future. Your support will help ensure we can continue to do that in the years to come. Thank you.
No former knowledge required.
This is a 1 hour online session.
A Zoom link, full joining instructions and information about the event will be shared via email the day of the event.
Photo credits:
- Listing Image (c) Káťa Opuntia
- Header Image (c) Anthony Rigell