St Andrews: Deterring seal predation in fish farms

Licensing opportunity

Scientists at St Andrews University, Scotland, have discovered a range of sounds that can be used to specifically deter seals and other sea mammals from fish farms. The signals could also be used to modify existing devices, increasing their efficiency.

The signals are based on the latest findings on the auditory system of mammals and mammals’ reactions to sounds. By combining reflex reactions to sounds with learnt responses and innate averse responses of particular animals to particular sounds, it is possible to select target-specific signals.

The acoustic deterrence system has been tested in various settings including a test trial on a fish farm during which there was no evidence that after the initial strong avoidance response shown by seals they became used to the sound.  No detrimental effects on whales, dolphins or porpoises were evident.

The system could be adjusted to deter other marine mammals, for example to keep them away during operations such as pile driving or seismic explorations.

The acoustic deterrence system is flexible and could be used in permanent installations at fish farms to protect stock from predators; by fishermen at sea to reduce by-catch of sea mammals; and in the off-shore oil industry to keep an area of sea clear of sea mammals.

With further development the system could be modified for other environments, such as game reserve control and estate management.