Menu

NetLight

An LED light that reduces bycatch in set net and trawl fisheries.

Get in touch Product Details

SPIN FOR 360 VIEW

THE CHALLENGE:

Sea turtle bycatch 

Sea turtle bycatch remains a major threat to turtle populations globally. Each year, an estimated 85,000 turtles are unintentionally caught in fishing nets, and this figure is widely acknowledged to be a very significant underestimate. Six of the seven marine turtle species are listed as either Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and fisheries bycatch is identified as one of the leading threats to these populations.   

Unselective mobile gears

Bycatch of non-target species is also a serious issue in mobile fishing gears, such as trawls. These gear types are often considered less selective, due to high bycatch rates on non-primary target species. For example, in some prawn trawl fisheries, up to 95% of the catch may consist of non-target species, causing environmental concerns and operational inefficiencies due to sorting time and potential choke species. 

 

OUR SOLUTION

Visual deterrents – Gillnet application

The NetLight, developed in collaboration with the University of Exeter and the Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT), is a simple, cost-effective device designed to reduce sea turtle bycatch in set net fisheries. This compact, banana-shaped light is powered by two AA batteries and can be easily attached to net ropes. It emits a constant light that helps turtles visually detect and avoid the net filaments, reducing the risk of entanglement. 

 

Visual deterrents – Trawl application

A growing body of evidence shows that integrating light-based devices like that of the  NetLight into trawl gear can reduce bycatch by over 90%, depending on the species & the wavelength & intensity of light implemented. Such device selection can be tailored to attract or repel different organisms based on light wavelength for example, guiding non-target species either toward escape panels or away from trawl mouth openings as an example. A notable example is the MSC certified Oregon prawn trawl fishery, where light-based solutions have been successfully deployed to reduce bycatch of echulon while maintaining target catch efficiency leading to an incredibly clean prawn fishery. 

ESTABLISHED FISHERIES:

  • Various Mediterranean set net fisheries
  • US & Canadian west coast pink shrimp trawl fishery (MSC certified)

 

NETLIGHT MODELS

Type Available Colours Battery Life
Constant Green / White 500 hours
Flashing Green / White 1500 hours

 

See how NetLight is making a difference in fisheries—click the button below:

Explore evidence base

Download specifications

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions:

165mm x 47mm x 37mm | 12mm diameter attachment holes

  • Dimensions
  • Weight (In water)
  • Depth Rating
  • Manufactures warranty

Key Features

Practical   

Designed with fishers in mind, NetLight is compact, easy to install, and requires minimal maintenance. They feature dual attachment points and are held securely in place, preventing snagging in net bins and ensuring reliable deployment and retrieval on nets when using deck machinery (e.g., flakers or haulers). 

Durable   

Built to withstand commercial fishing conditions, the NetLight is depth-rated to 1200 meters and delivers 500–1500 hours of battery life depending on model, making it suitable for extended use in trawl or gillnet settings.    

ACCESSORIES

Cost-Effective   

With a projected lifespan of over five years and minimal annual operating costs, it delivers long-term savings. Its lightweight in-water design and simple attachment system ensure it integrates seamlessly without disrupting fishing operations.

ADDITIONAL BENIFITS

 

  • Automatic Immersion Switch: Activates only when submerged, conserving battery life.    
  • Modular design: The light units can be quickly removed from their rubberised housings, allowing easy transfer between nets or replacement with freshly powered units.
  • Replaceable Batteries: Allows for easy maintenance and continued use.   

“Fishtek Marine NetLights are durable & long lasting. I like that you’re able to use regular AA batteries instead of expensive lithium cells…. I’m still using some of the first units I bought despite a few years of steady use!”

– Russ Lloyd (F/V Caligus) | Canadian Pink Prawn Trawlerman –

We use third-party cookies to personalise content and analyse site traffic.

View our Privacy Policy