DIVERS are regularly sabotaging fishermen's pots around the South Devon in a bid to free cuttlefish, it has been revealed

But experts have warned that action is damaging and not helping the cuttlefish

Divers have been cutting holes in cuttlefish traps and releasing the animals in the belief they are benefiting the cuttlefish.

But Keith Bower, Devon's Chief Fisheries Officer and SeaTorbay Fishing Working Group chairman said: "Research shows cuttlefish come inshore to breed, lay eggs and die.

"Of the small percentage of cuttlefish observed dying in the traps by divers there are many thousands not in traps doing exactly the same. I take a dim view of anyone causing wanton damage to legitimate fishing gear."

Torquay fisherman Mike Ould said he had 18 pots laid in the Babbacombe Bay area where most of the damage had occurred.

He said: "I don't think the divers know the overall picture, which is that cuttlefish stocks are healthy and that they die after they have spawned as they only have a lifecycle of around 18 months to two years.

"They are not over-fished or endangered but I don't think the divers doing the damage understand the science of it.

"The Oulds have been fishing here for five generations, this isn't going to stop us continuing," he said.

Alex Scholefield, marine education ranger for Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and SeaTorbay secretary said: "Although the divers think they are helping the cuttlefish they are actually jeopardising future conservation work in the Bay. A partnership project is going to take place in the next couple of months through SeaTorbay that involves Devon Fisheries, fishermen, diving business, divers and conservation organisations. Working together the project is specifically looking at sustainability and the future of the cuttlefish."

Another conservation measure adopted by fishermen through a recently introduced bylaw is the fitting of escape gaps to crab and lobster pots.

This device allows undersize crab and lobster from crab pots to escape while still fishing for the larger of the species on the sea bed. The provisions in the by law become mandatory on November 20.

Keith Bower added: "Bay fishermen are keen to point out that they are responsible people undertaking legitimate fishing activities by passive and sustainable methods.

"They are also keen to adopt any new methods which may aid the conservation of the seabed. The very last thing required is the destruction of the habitat within which commercial species lives."

Rick Parker is collecting sightings of cuttlefish and their eggs plus organising volunteer divers and dives. If you would like to help he can be contacted by email at jenniferann@deepsea.co.uk. For more information contact info@seatorbay.org.uk.