Summary
The present study tested LED lights in paired trials of a commercial gillnet fishery targeting Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in Iceland, due to previous studies that suggest attaching LED lights to gillnets to reduce seabird bycatch. The LED-equipped sets caught significantly more seabirds (mainly northern gannets (Morus bassanus) and northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis)), and slightly (but statistically insignificant) reduced fish catch. While the use of LED lights on gillnets may reduce bycatch of some species, some bird species appear to be attracted to the lights.