Starfish dumped by fisherman on Guernsey beach

Sarah Lewis - BBC Guernsey
Michael Scrimshaw
Michael Scrimshaw said vessels had to move to another area "if you can't clear the ground of starfish" [BBC]

A fisherman from Guernsey has admitted to dumping starfish due to an influx in his traditional crab pot areas.

Michael Scrimshaw, a member of the Bordeaux Harbour moorings committee, admitted to dumping them by a fishing boat.

It comes after a photo circulated on social media of about 200 starfish on a local beach in Guernsey.

The starfish had previously caused challenges for local fishermen as they invade their crab pots.

Nicky Harris, of the La Société Guernesiaise, said that disposal of discards on the shoreline was not a good practice.

'Very difficult'

Mr Scrimshaw said: "In the last few years, the sea temperatures have got a lot warmer and they are breeding quicker.

"If you had rats in your kitchen at home, eating all of your food, you would get rid of them.

"It's the same thing. If you can't clear the ground of starfish, you have to move to another area, which is very difficult.

"If you can't fish on your ground, then there is no point in going out on the boat."

There are currently no sustainable solutions being given to fishermen in Guernsey on how to manage the huge numbers of starfish, according to Mr Scrimshaw.

Nicky Harris said: "Due to potential climate change factors, the fisherman are going to get large amounts of starfish coming into those particular potting zones.

"Disposal of discards on the shoreline where the public will be coming across them is not a good practice, as it is a health risk to local residents, etc, particularly as the animals start to rot and breakdown."

Guernsey fishermen do not have any requirements to report their bycatch, according to la société.

Guernsey's Sea Fisheries office said: "If such practice were to occur, it would not be condoned by Sea Fisheries.

"All fishers, both commercial and recreational, are encouraged to return to the sea unharmed any undersized or unwanted catch, caught from the shore or brought onboard a vessel."

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