RD099: Low Impact Scallop Innovation Gear (LISIG) project

The LISIG project is an industry-science collaboration project working towards an economically viable gear innovation that aims to reduce environmental impacts associated with the spring-toothed Newhaven dredge (aka standard dredge) that is commonly used by the UK scallop fishery to catch king scallops (Pecten maximus). The proposed modification involves adding ‘skids’ to the bottom of the belly bag to lift the belly bag off the ground and thus reduce the contact and drag of the belly bag with the seabed. Data on the retained catch and bycatch, catch selectivity and damage, seabed fauna damage, fuel consumption and gear wear were collected during scientific field trials and commercial practice with fishermen to assess the environmental impact and commercial viability of the modified skid dredge relative to the standard dredge. The innovation supports the UK's move towards sustainable fisheries and responds to the industry's ever-increasing need for sustainably sourced seafood.