Dutch company SaveWave is in the final development stages of a new product to tackle dolphin bycatch. Called the Longline Saver, it is being tested for its effect on killer whales in Norway and Japan. It is expected to be available this summer, SaveWave said.
SaveWave already offers the High Impact Saver and the Endurance Saver. The former is used mainly in the Mediterranean to prevent bottle nose dolphins from actively attacking fishing nets.
The Endurance is designed to keep away shy dolphins which accidentally come into contact with nets.
The Saver micro-computer is attached to nets and on contact with water begins emitting ultrasonic signals.
They are programmed to disturb and distort dolphins' echo-location system, creating a 'safe' area around the net intended to keep dolphins away.
SaveWave says independent testing on one Saver-system proved more than 75 per cent effective. The High Impact Saver system should be up to 90 per cent effective, Savewave said.
The company says the dolphin's habitat is not affected and also fish cannot hear the ultrasonic sounds.
Floaters inside the shells ensure a buoyant Saver, preventing too much weight on net and line, while keeping the Saver in an optimal signal position.
The EU is bringing in regulations which will make pingers compulsory in areas such as the English Channel, the Baltic and some Atlantic fishing grounds.
Savewave is also testing the Endurance Saver in British waters.
SaveWave hopes the Longline Saver will win orders particularly in tuna-fisheries. Dolphins and killer whales interact extensively with the long-liners, causing major losses to the catch.
