Summary
The authors worked with creel fishers to trial and assess whether sinking rope was practical to fish with in Scottish inshore waters, and therefore to reduce entanglement risk to minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus), and other megafauna. Overall, the fishers reported few problems with the modified gear, and the gear performed well underwater according to Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage and sensors. Sinking rope may be a simple, viable option to reduce entanglement risk in the Scottish creel fishery.