Looming-eyes buoys fail to reduce seabird bycatch in the Icelandic lumpfish fishery: depth-based fishing restrictions are an alternative

This study experimented with the use of Looming-Eye Buoys (LEBs) attached to gillnets in the Icelandic lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) fishery to reduce seabird bycatch. LEBs are intended to be a visual deterrent that mimics a predator's eyes. The LEBs did not have a significant impact on target catch or bycatch, but results suggest a strong correlation between seabird bycatch and depth; the authors estimate that limiting fishing to waters below 50m deep could save between 5000 and 9300 seabirds every year.