IN ACTION
Static hazards
data mapped
In many parts of the UK, entanglements with static fishing gear, such as lobster pots, remain a concern for sailors. The RYA has collected data on these incidents for more than 20 years. Entanglements can be reported online and, as we announced in the summer issue, we’re publishing the locations on an interactive map (for more information, visit rya.org.uk/news/report-fishing-gear-entanglements).
The aim is to build a clearer picture of where poorly marked fishing gear presents the greatest danger. We received 109 reports of incidents and sightings between August 2025 and July 2026. Of those reports, 29 involved entanglements. Twenty-six were incidents experienced by the person making the report, while three were witnessed by others. The remaining 80 reports concerned sightings of poorly marked static fishing gear.
Of the 29 reported incidents, seven required assistance or rescue, while four boats sustained damage. One also resulted in a minor injury.
Poorly marked lobster pots pose a serious risk.
Poorly marked lobster pots pose a serious risk.
All tangled up
The South West recorded the highest number of individuals reporting personal entanglements, with eight incidents. Three were reported in both the North East and the South, while two each were reported in the South East, Orkney and the Western Isles. The RYA also records weather and sea conditions when incidents are reported. However, the latest year’s data has not identified any notable trends linking entanglements to particular weather or sea-state conditions.
A third of all reputed entanglements were actually with nets or floating rope, rather than static fishing gear.
Report your entanglements
We’re urging anyone who has experienced an entanglement this year, that they know or suspect involved static fishing gear, to report it. Every report helps build the evidence base needed to demonstrate the scale and danger of poorly marked static fishing gear.
Boaters can report incidents and sightings to the RYA at
rya.org.uk/fishing-gear-incident-reporting-form
In many parts of the UK, entanglements with static fishing gear, such as lobster pots, remain a concern for sailors. The RYA has collected data on these incidents for more than 20 years. Entanglements can be reported online and, as we announced in the summer issue, we’re publishing the locations on an interactive map (for more information, visit rya.org.uk/news/report-fishing-gear-entanglements).
The aim is to build a clearer picture of where poorly marked fishing gear presents the greatest danger. We received 109 reports of incidents and sightings between August 2025 and July 2026. Of those reports, 29 involved entanglements. Twenty-six were incidents experienced by the person making the report, while three were witnessed by others. The remaining 80 reports concerned sightings of poorly marked static fishing gear.
Of the 29 reported incidents, seven required assistance or rescue, while four boats sustained damage. One also resulted in a minor injury.
Poorly marked lobster pots pose a serious risk.
Poorly marked lobster pots pose a serious risk.
All tangled up
The South West recorded the highest number of individuals reporting personal entanglements, with eight incidents. Three were reported in both the North East and the South, while two each were reported in the South East, Orkney and the Western Isles. The RYA also records weather and sea conditions when incidents are reported. However, the latest year’s data has not identified any notable trends linking entanglements to particular weather or sea-state conditions.
A third of all reputed entanglements were actually with nets or floating rope, rather than static fishing gear.
Report your entanglements
We’re urging anyone who has experienced an entanglement this year, that they know or suspect involved static fishing gear, to report it. Every report helps build the evidence base needed to demonstrate the scale and danger of poorly marked static fishing gear.
Boaters can report incidents and sightings to the RYA at
rya.org.uk/fishing-gear-incident-reporting-form
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