Life Project Prometheus: Magnetic Deterrent Testing Begins

As part of the testing of magnetic deterrents planned by the Life Prometheus consortium for the reduction of pelagic shark and ray bycatch on longlines, a team of ISPRA researchers embarked on three professional pelagic longline fishing vessels to conduct the first of five campaigns planned for the project. The preliminary results are encouraging, indicating both the effectiveness of the magnets in reducing shortfin mako shark bycatch and the non-interference of the devices with commercial catches of swordfish and bluefin tuna, typical prey of this type of fishery. ISPRA represented Dr. Umberto Scacco, Dr. Barbara Catalano, Dr. Tomaso Fortibuoni, Dr. Danilo Scannella, Dr. Claudia Sebbio, and Dr. Luca Stellati.'