Options to mitigate bottom habitat impact of dragged gears.

Bottom trawling is a diversified fishing method which uses numerous types of gear designs, sizes, rigging and operational methods. Therefore, impact on the bottom habitat will differ among the various bottom trawl fisheries and also to a large extent depend on the bottom conditions in the area fished. During bottom trawling the primary function of the forward parts of the trawl is to maintain bottom contact, provide spread and herd the target species. These parts are the trawl doors, sweeps and bridles, and are essential for proper gear performance and capture efficiency. This document describes the basic principles that can be used to reduce the impact of trawling, some of which are already developed as practical solutions and implemented in commercial fisheries. Overall, however, there are presently few examples of low bottom-impact trawl gears in use in commercial fisheries. These basic mitigation measures aim at reducing pressure on the bottom of various tra wl components and minimizing the impacted area while trawling. Implementation of reduced bottom-impact solutions may result in reduced capture efficiency for target species and acceptance of the technology by the fishing industry in their commercial fishing activity might therefore be difficult. Thus, research communities face many challenges to further develop bottom habitat friendly options.

Bibliographic Details

Main Author:	Valdemarsen, J.W.; Jørgensen, T.; Engås, A.;Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Division
Format:	Book (series) biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	2007
Online Access:	https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/a1466e http://www.fao.org/3/a-a1466e.pdf
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