Summary
This study evaluated the efficacy of two above-water deterrents - "scarybird" kites and looming-eyes buoys- in reducing seabird bycatch in gillnet fisheries in the United Kingdom. Both deterrents significantly reduced the chance and magnitude of auk (Family Alcidae) bycatch relative to controls. Kites had a stronger deterrent effect closer to the device, while looming-eye buoys were effective over a broader range. However, above-water deterrents did not appear to impact bycatch of other species, including cetaceans and seals.