Successful trial of sinking fishing rope raises hope for reducing whale deaths

A report on the trial said the new groundline "is relatively inexpensive, reliable, and does not require changes in fisheries management or to fishers' working practices"

An endangered North Atlantic right whale entangled in fishing rope. It was sighted with its newborn calf in waters near Cumberland Island, Georgia. Picture: Georgia Department of Natural Resources/NOAA Permit #20556 via AP

A successful trial of fishing rope that sinks rather than floats shows it could be a simple and low-cost way to prevent whale deaths, conservationists said.

The trial working with creel fishers in Scotland shows the gear's use could significantly reduce the entanglement of whales and other marine animals such as basking sharks without causing problems for fishers or damage to the seabed.