New research from the University of Exeter and marine technology company Fishtek Marine reveals a promising future for baitless, low-impact fishing using LED lights. According to the study, fishing pots equipped with white LED lights captured up to 19 times more northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) than traditional unlit pots.
This breakthrough, published in Ocean & Coastal Management (2025), suggests that illumination technology could be a game-changer in creating self-baiting traps for both shrimp and fish—offering a more sustainable alternative to trawling.
🌟 How Do LED Fishing Pots Work?
Researchers believe the success of lighted pots lies in a natural chain reaction. Dr. Robert Enever of Fishtek Marine explains:
“The light likely attracts zooplankton, similar to how moths are drawn to a flame. Shrimp, which feed on zooplankton, follow—and in turn, larger predatory fish come to feed on the shrimp.”
This process is known as an “attraction cascade,” essentially creating a self-baiting fishing trap—no need for traditional bait.
🐟 Could This Lead to Low-Impact Fishing for Cod and Other Species?
The experimental trials, conducted off the west coast of Scotland, showed that while shrimp catches weren’t yet commercially viable in that region, the results are highly promising for locations with denser shrimp populations.
Moreover, although the traps weren’t optimized for larger fish, the high capture rate of fish (such as juvenile poor cod) suggests that modifying pot designs and mesh sizes could open up new opportunities for low-impact fish trapping—especially for species like cod.
“Shrimp and cod are often caught using trawling methods, which can damage marine habitats and lead to high bycatch,” said Dr. Tom Horton from Exeter’s Centre for Ecology and Conservation. “LED pots offer a more eco-friendly solution using static fishing gear.”
🦐 What Were the Key Findings of the LED Fishing Pot Study?
- Northern shrimp catch rate increased by up to 19x in illuminated pots.
- Juvenile poor cod catch rate rose by 88%.
- Norway lobster (langoustine) catches decreased by 50%, suggesting species-specific responses to light.
- The study raises both exciting potential and the need for careful design to avoid high bycatch.
These findings could guide the future of species-targeted, sustainable trap fisheries with minimal impact on marine ecosystems.
📘 Academic Source & Citation
The full study is available in the journal Ocean & Coastal Management:
Horton, T.W. et al. (2025)
Effects of illumination and pot design on catch and bycatch when targeting northern shrimp using white LED PotLights.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107663
🌍 Conclusion: A Bright Future for Eco-Friendly Fishing?
This innovative research aligns with the themes in Sir David Attenborough’s latest documentary “Ocean,” which sheds light on the need for ocean conservation and smarter fishing practices.
As pressure mounts to reduce the environmental footprint of commercial fisheries, LED fishing pots could provide a scalable, sustainable solution—especially when tailored to local ecosystems and target species.