Seaquest Netsafe Project

Seaquest Netsafe is all about cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises and whales) and how we can strive to protect them. We have received funding from Esmee Fairburn Trust, SITA, Frugi, the European Fisheries Fund, and donations through an appeal to our members to deliver the following areas of work:

1. To provide data on inshore cetacean populations and cetacean bycatch around Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, through effort based sightings and underwater acoustic monitoring at specific sites, and record data from all stranded animals through our Marine Strandings Network of volunteers.
   
2. To test bycatch mitigation measures with inshore netters and promote responsible fishing practices. Our pinger trial has been running for a year and the results are soon to be published.
   
3. To use the data collected to aid the development of management strategies around Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to protect cetaceans and their ecosystem.

We use elements of acoustic technology combined with the dedication and time given by many local volunteers to achieve the above. The results of this project will provide us with a much clearer picture of what is really going on around our coastline and work towards a future of much needed protection for these wonderful creatures.