Googly eyed buoys and kites keep seabirds clear of English fishing nets

Researchers off the coast of Cornwall in southwest England are testing spinning buoys with large eye patterns and bird-of-prey kites to prevent seabirds from entering fishing nets. Mongabay reported that a pole rising from a buoy features a head with big eyes that spins to create an animated eye effect, scaring birds away before they dive toward the nets below. [1]

The trial also utilizes kites shaped like birds of prey attached to other nets to deter diving seabirds. Mongabay reported that these visual deterrents aim to keep birds at a safe distance from active fishing operations. [1]

Googly eyes are plastic items typically made of a white backing, a clear hard shell, and a loose black disc inside that moves when tilted or shaken. As HEROIC BREAKING NEWS reported earlier, seabirds play a vital role in coastal ecosystems by acting as biological pumps and moving nutrients through their guano. [2][3]