This solution is developed by
Bycatch of small cetaceans remains a critical challenge in fixed net (gillnet) fisheries, particularly affecting small cetaceans. These species can become entangled in nets that are difficult to detect using echolocation alone, leading to injury or mortality.
The MarineGuardian acoustic deterrent devices for gillnets aim to reduce these interactions by increasing net detectability and discouraging cetaceans from approaching fishing gear, while remaining compatible with small-scale fishing operations.
The challenge
Gillnets are widely used in coastal and small-scale fisheries. However, their low acoustic and visual detectability makes them hazardous for echolocating cetaceans, especially in areas where common dolphins and Iberian porpoises overlap with fishing activities.
Reducing bycatch in these fisheries requires solutions that are effective, affordable, and acceptable to fishers.
Common dolphin – Source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/short-beaked-common-dolphin
Iberian harbor porpoise – Source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/harbor-porpoise
The solution
This MarineGuardian solution focuses on:
- Evaluating the performance of acoustic deterrent devices (pingers) to assess their effectiveness in reducing cetacean interactions with gillnets
- Improving net visibility through lighting, helping cetaceans detect and avoid nets before entanglement occurs
By combining acoustic and visual cues, the approach aims to enhance gear detectability without negatively affecting target catches.
Development and progress
The development of acoustic deterrent devices for gillnets builds on previous experience and close collaboration with the fishing sector:
- July 2025: experimental trials carried out onboard small-scale gillnetters, testing pinger performance under real fishing conditions
- Active engagement of fishers’ federations, ensuring that solutions are practical and aligned with operational realities
This work benefits from synergies with the EU LIFE project CIBBRiNA, which shares similar objectives in reducing cetacean bycatch in gillnet fisheries.
Expected impact
The acoustic deterrent devices for gillnets are expected to contribute to:
- Reduced bycatch of common dolphins and Iberian porpoises
- Improved coexistence between small-scale fisheries and cetacean conservation
- Scalable solutions that can be adopted across multiple regions
