Innovative Use of LED Technology Dramatically Boosts Shrimp and Fish Catch in Pot Fishing
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter in conjunction with Fishtek Marine has revealed that fishing pots equipped with white LED lights can substantially increase the catch of northern shrimp and various fish species. Published in the journal Ocean and Coastal Management, this research presents promising avenues for developing more sustainable and low-impact fishing methods that could revolutionize marine resource harvesting.
The research involved fitting traditional shrimp pots with white LED lights, a simple yet transformative modification that reportedly resulted in catch increases of up to 19 times the usual shrimp yields compared to unlit control pots. This marked improvement suggests that light can serve as a powerful attractant to marine organisms, initiating a cascade effect within the ecosystem surrounding the fishing gear, thereby enhancing catch efficiency.
Central to the study’s findings is the concept of an “attraction cascade." The illuminated pots appear to draw in zooplankton, microscopic organisms that form a keystone element in the marine food web. Analogous to moths irresistibly drawn to a flame, these plankton congregate near the light source. Small crustaceans like northern shrimp, which feed on zooplankton, are consequently attracted to the pots. This abundance of shrimp then entices predatory fish species into the trap, allowing the pots to capture a broader range of marine life in a self-baiting fashion.
Dr. Robert Enever of Fishtek Marine elaborates on this dynamic mechanism, highlighting how the manipulated light environment alters the natural foraging behavior of species across multiple trophic levels. This ecological interaction underscores the ingenuity of using biotic attraction rather than passive trapping, shifting the paradigm of pot fishing towards a more active and biologically informed methodology.
The study was conducted off the west coast of Scotland, providing a relevant temperate marine context for evaluating the technology. Although the quantity of shrimp caught during this pilot trial was insufficient to render the method immediately commercially viable in the region, researchers are optimistic about the applicability of the technique in other areas with denser shrimp populations. The data suggest that environmental conditions and local species abundance play critical roles in determining the overall success of illuminated pot fishing.
Moreover, the experimental pots were originally designed with mesh sizes optimized for catching shrimp rather than larger fish. Interestingly, despite this limitation, illuminated pots still attracted significantly higher numbers of fish, signifying the potential to adapt the technology for larger predatory species by modifying trap dimensions and mesh sizes. Such advancements could lead to the establishment of a new class of selective, low-impact fishing gears for fish, thereby mitigating the adverse ecological consequences prevalent in conventional fisheries.
Conventional shrimp and cod fisheries often rely on trawling techniques, which are associated with substantial bycatch and habitat degradation due to their non-selective nature and intensive seafloor disturbance. Dr. Tom Horton from Exeter’s Centre for Ecology and Conservation emphasizes that the development of static gear alternatives like illuminated pots is essential for advancing the sustainability agenda of global fisheries. This technology offers a way to substantially reduce collateral damage while maintaining or enhancing catch efficiency.
An important aspect of the study’s findings relates to bycatch composition. The illuminated pots demonstrated a 50% reduction in Norway lobster (langoustine) bycatch, a species often unintentionally caught in traditional traps. However, the pots also caught 88% more juvenile poor cod, a smaller relative of the Atlantic cod, which raises concerns about the potential for unintended impacts on fish population dynamics if the gear is not properly optimized for target species. This nuanced result underscores the necessity of tailoring pot designs and illumination parameters to minimize unwanted capture and ensure ecological selectivity.
The researchers advocate for further experimental modifications that combine illumination with targeted trap designs to explore the full spectrum of species and size classes that can be sustainably harvested. Such refinements could unlock opportunities for fisheries that are economically viable and ecologically sound, representing a significant step forward in balancing exploitation with conservation.
Financial support for this innovative project came from the UK Seafood Innovation Fund and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, institutions known for backing initiatives that promote sustainable food production and marine stewardship. Their involvement reflects a growing awareness among funders and industry stakeholders of the imperatives to innovate fishing technologies aligned with environmental responsibility.
Published on May 3, 2025, the study titled “Effects of illumination and pot design on catch and bycatch when targeting northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) using white LED PotLights” sets a precedent for interdisciplinary collaboration between marine ecologists, fisheries scientists, and technology developers. It combines ecological theory with practical engineering, offering a model of how modern fisheries can harness natural behavioral cues of marine organisms through technical innovations.
This research coincides with a heightened public awareness of oceanic ecosystems, partly galvanized by popular nature documentaries such as Sir David Attenborough’s Ocean, which cast a spotlight on the fragility and complexity of marine life. The introduction of LED-lit fishing pots epitomizes how scientific insights can be translated into practical tools to reduce the human footprint on the ocean while sustaining vital food resources.
In summary, this pioneering investigation into LED-illuminated pots reveals substantial potential for increasing shrimp and fish catches while decreasing undesirable bycatch and habitat damage. Moving forward, refined pot designs and region-specific trials will be essential to fully harness the benefits of this technology. If successfully adopted, these innovations could usher in a new era of low-impact, highly selective fisheries that safeguard marine biodiversity and promote the longevity of seafood stocks globally.
Subject of Research: The effect of white LED light illumination and pot design on catch rates and bycatch composition in northern shrimp fisheries.
Article Title: Effects of illumination and pot design on catch and bycatch when targeting northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) using white LED PotLights
News Publication Date: 3-May-2025
Web References:
References:
Enever, R., Horton, T., et al. (2025). Effects of illumination and pot design on catch and bycatch when targeting northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) using white LED PotLights. Ocean and Coastal Management.
Image Credits: Fishtek Marine
Keywords: Fishing; Marine biodiversity; Marine conservation
