A world-first method for catching scallops that claims to offer an alternative to dredging has been developed using funding from the UK government's Seafood Innovation Fund (SIF).   This new low-impact method, pioneered by scientists at Devon-based company Fishtek Marine, uses illuminated pots dubbed "scallop discos" to attract and catch scallops.   "Due to having 200 eyes, scallops were found to be particularly receptive to the lights and naturally moved towards them, making the lights an effective means to catch large quantities without trawling the seabed. Findings indicate this could replace traditional dredging methods which can have a damaging effect on valuable marine habitats," said researchers.   SIF, a multi-million program funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and delivered by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, is supporting innovative projects across the fishing, aquaculture and seafood industries that use cutting edge technology or new techniques to limit the impact of fisheries on the marine environment.    It sits under the £100 million ($123.8m) UK Seafood Fund, set up by the government in a bid to support the long-term future and sustainability of the UK fisheries and seafood sector.   "It is great to see Fishtek Marine benefitting from SIF, and developing a world-first method for catching scallops in an environmentally sustainable way," said UK fisheries minister Victoria Prentis [...]