As the new season gets started, we’re reminding all water users to be mindful of the risk of poorly marked sea-fishing gear.

In many parts of the UK, entanglements with static fishing gear (e.g. lobster pots) remain a risk. Although some gear is well marked, poorly marked gear remains too common.

Gathering evidence 

The RYA has been collecting data since the early 2000’s but evidence of the danger that poorly marked static sea-fishing gear causes to the boater remains limited.  

From people who have experienced an entanglement, we understand how scary and dangerous that can be. We therefore continue to work to gather sufficient evidence to demonstrate the danger poorly marked static fishing gear poses to boats.  

We’ve introduced a map showing where entanglements have been reported and where poorly marked static fishing gear has been sighted.

Report your entanglements or sightings

Our online reporting form was updated towards the end of 2025, to ensure it is collecting useful and usable data.  

If you have been involved in an entanglement, witnessed an incident or have sighted poorly marked static fishing gear then we want to hear from you.  

The form will ask for location, date, time, weather conditions and the type of fishing gear.