Fieldwork investigating seabed impact of trawls

Experimental trials will take place in Kattegat on the research vessel Havfisken during 12-17 September 2024 to investigate the physical impact on the seabed of demersal trawl otter boards. Otter boards are used to spread the net open and are amongst the heaviest components of a trawl gear. 

A benthic sledge (see photo), that has been designed to tow bottom-contacting fishing gear components across the seabed, will be used to measure the drag forces and the penetration into the seabed of a number of otter board models. We will vary the size, the weight and the angle of attack of the otter boards, and carry out the trials on different sediment types ranging from firm sand to soft mud.

These experiments are part of a series of projects to better assess the environmental impact of fisheries and to design and develop low-impact, fuel-efficient fishing gears.