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Fishtek Marine Fishtek Marine are leaders in bycatch reduction technology, providing technical solutions that work for fishermen and the environment.

For Fishtek Marine, it all started with protecting seabirds– when Ben and Pete Kibel developed the HookPod – a device th...
02/10/2026

For Fishtek Marine, it all started with protecting seabirds– when Ben and Pete Kibel developed the HookPod – a device that has helped to reduce Albatross bycatch in Southern Ocean longline fisheries by over 90%. But finding a solution for bycatch in set nets has proved far more elusive.

Today, we are proud to share the results of our trials in collaboration with the RSPB, the University of Exeter and local inshore fishermen in Cornwall.

Conducted between 2023 and 2025, these trials tested two Above Water Deterrents (AWD)– the Looming Eyes Buoy (LEB) and a hawk-shaped ‘scarybird’ kite– across 1,000+ set nets.

Both of these devices led to significant reductions in the numbers of guillemots and razorbills being caught in nets. These 'auk' species pursue small fish at depths of around 10 to 40 metres.

Results showed that:

✔️ Kites reduced the odds of an auk bycatch event by 71% (and reduced bycatch per unit effort by 62%).

✔️ Looming Eyes Buoys reduced bycatch odds by 59% (and bycatch per unit effort by 68%).

✔️ Both devices reduced the risk of auks by around two thirds when events occurred.

Building on these results, we are already refining and testing the kite design based on feedback and ideas from fishermen in Cornwall.

🔗 Read the full scientific paper: https://doi.org/10.1111/con4.70082

University of Exeter Centre for Ecology & Conservation ExeterMarine RSPB Schmidt Marine Technology Partners

New research has shown that this googly-eyed scarecrow can help save threatened seabirds from getting caught in fishing ...
01/10/2026

New research has shown that this googly-eyed scarecrow can help save threatened seabirds from getting caught in fishing nets!

Developed by researchers at University of Exeter, Fishtek Marine and the RSPB, and trialled with fishers in Cornwall, the simple deterrents reduced bycatch (accidental capture) by around two thirds for guillemots and razorbills when deployed strategically.

Read the full press release - https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-environment-science-and-economy/scientists-develop-floating-scarecrow-to-protect-threatened-seabirds/

Of you can find the full paper here - https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/con4.70082

University of Exeter Centre for Ecology & Conservation University of Exeter Cornwall

Earlier this month, our team were lucky enough to present at the Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies (SAFET) Con...
21/09/2026

Earlier this month, our team were lucky enough to present at the Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies (SAFET) Conference 2026 in Cebu. The conference highlighted the range of technologies shaping the future of global fisheries, particularly advances in Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM), AI, and machine learning.

What became increasingly clear is the important role bycatch mitigation technologies will have within this evolving field. As REM and AI improve our ability to identify, quantify and understand bycatch interactions at scale, technologies such as can help turn better data into practical action, actively reducing interactions and supporting both sustainable fisheries and marine conservation. 🦈

It was great to showcase our technologies and engage with so many organisations about how better monitoring and effective mitigation can work together to drive more sustainable fisheries.

A fantastic week, with plenty of exciting conversations had and now on-going! 🌊

Developing marine technology is tough. A shark deterrent technology designed for the commercial fishing industry needs t...
11/09/2026

Developing marine technology is tough. A shark deterrent technology designed for the commercial fishing industry needs to balance shark bycatch against target catch all whilst allowing fishing to continue unhindered.

MK.V represents a quantum leap in conservation engineering. The integration of induction charging has made vessel adoption feasible, with fast charging and seamless integration into commercial fishing operations. ⚡

At the end of 2025, we returned to New Caledonia– the perfect testing ground for MK. V field tests with the assistance of Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie & Pescana. The results were clear: SharkGuard deters sharks, has no effect on tuna catch, and the integrated hook-bin did not impact day-to-day fishing operations. 🦈

A few teaks remain but we’ve unlocked the difficulty of reducing shark bycatch in long line fisheries and can provide the fishing industry, seafood corporates and marine managers a tool that delivers “sustainability without sacrifice”. 🌊

Stay tuned– we're almost there!

👈 Swipe to review the ShakrGuard MK. V.

ExeterMarine Schmidt Marine Technology Partners Innovate UK Fishmongers Company
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Proving a concept where bycatch is concerned is one thing. Building the tech that fits into commercial fishing operation...
09/09/2026

Proving a concept where bycatch is concerned is one thing. Building the tech that fits into commercial fishing operations while maintaining target catch rates is another. 🌊

In 2020, we tested a prototype Electric Pulse Deterrent called SharkGuard.

The results were phenomenal! 91% reduction in Shark bycatch & a 72% reduction in pelagic ray bycatch. These results for sharks were encouraging, but low tuna catches meant we were unable to see how it impacted target species catches. 🦈

Our team then re-tested SharkGuard MK.IV in New Caledonia, where both tuna and shark numbers were much higher. This was the true test!

We needed two key questions answered:
1.Could SharkGuard impact tuna catches?
2. If so, what factors influenced this?

The key takeaway: Results confirmed a clear “sweet spot” for SharkGuard placement to ensure shark deterrence while leaving target catch unaffected. ⚡

Our team recognised that industry adoption would require a radical new approach to developing this technology.

👈 Major development ahead!

Remi Mastrangelo Cooperative Sathoan Innovate UK ExeterMarine Schmidt Marine Technology Partners

20 million sharks are lost to longline fisheries as bycatch every year. Fishtek Marine is working on a solution for this...
07/09/2026

20 million sharks are lost to longline fisheries as bycatch every year. Fishtek Marine is working on a solution for this leveraging their unique sensory physiology. 🦈

Target species such as tuna & billfish hunt using two primary senses; sight and smell. Sharks have a third– unique and specialised electro-receptors known as 'ampullae of Lorenzini' that they use to sense minuscule voltage disparities caused by something like a heartbeat.

We took advantage of this! ⚡

The science worked. What’s left was to prove its efficacy at sea in a fishery. 🌊

👈 Swipe through to see the science.

The Fishtek Marine team will be attending the upcoming Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technology (SAFET) Conference in C...
04/09/2026

The Fishtek Marine team will be attending the upcoming Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technology (SAFET) Conference in Cebu, Philippines!

As part of the official programme, our very own Robert Enever will be presenting insights into how we’re deploying our technologies around the world to deliver effective, data-driven bycatch mitigation to drive selective fisheries. 💡

We’ll also be sharing the latest insights from our most recent trials, including some exciting new results we’re looking forward to revealing! 🦈

Whether you’re interested in innovative ocean technology, practical bycatch mitigation, or opportunities to collaborate, come and speak to our team. 🌊

📍 Come and find us at Booths 8 & 9 to learn more.

We look forward to seeing you in Cebu!

Rigorous science takes time, collaboration, and constant refinement on the water.From initial trial concepts to our late...
21/08/2026

Rigorous science takes time, collaboration, and constant refinement on the water.

From initial trial concepts to our latest advanced models, our commitment to sustainable fisheries remains grounded in real-world testing. By pairing data analysis with the expertise of skilled fishermen, we’re not just building effective technology– we’re gathering critical insights into where, when, and how to best protect marine life. 🌊

👉 Swipe through to see how we evaluate, iterate, and scale our marine conservation tech for maximum impact.

23/07/2026

Today on , we're celebrating these incredible animals while recognising the global efforts to protect them for generations to come.

From river dolphins in Cambodia and Indonesia to harbour porpoises in Norway and around the UK, we're proud to be working alongside conservation initiatives and fisheries to safeguard them. Together, our acoustic deterrent devices ( ) are actively reducing the risk of accidental capture in commercial fisheries.

As fisheries evolve, we're committed to developing practical solutions that help protect marine wildlife while supporting the people who depend on healthy oceans.

Because let's be honest... whenever one of these magnificent animals appears alongside a boat, it's hard not to rock a smile!🐬🐋

14/07/2026

This , we’re sharing more than just awareness. We’re sharing the action. 🦈

At Fishtek Marine, our mission has always been clear: striving for healthy, sustainable fisheries and protecting vulnerable marine species. For the past 9 years, our team has faced untold challenges and setbacks to engineer a real solution to shark bycatch in global longline fisheries.

By utilising a unique electro-pulse technology, we are proving that selective, shark-safe fisheries are well within reach. Following recent trials in New Caledonia, SharkGuard MK.V has shown to withstand the rigours of the baited longline fishery, requiring only minor adjustments. ⚡️

With the results of the trials scheduled for imminent release, stands as a step forward for shark conservation and a global standard for sustainable fisheries worldwide. 🌏

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