From science to innovation in the Nephrops fishery to comply with the Common Fisheries Policy: development of an optimal and flexible selection system for trawl by use of new technology and underutilized fish behaviour (VISION) (39375)

The aim of the VISION-project is to develop a new generation of trawl designs towards a targeted and controllable species and size selection in the mixed fisheries targeting Nephrops by improving vertical separation of the catch and gear selectivity. This will contribute to an economic viable fishery and sustainable use of resources under a landing obligation.

The mixed fisheries targeting Nephrops is one of the most economically important Danish fisheries. It is characterized by high proportions of discards and will have a low capitalization of the vessels’ quotas under a landing obligation.

In the VISION-project, a horizontally divided codend developed in the FishValue-project (vaerdifisk.dk) will be refined to increase the vertical separation of cod, flatfish and small fish in general from Nephrops. The project will combine new technology and knowledge of fish behavior in an innovative way to develop new selection principles and thus gear designs with an increased species and size selectivity. Furthermore, the project seeks to provide solutions for a highly flexible fishery so fishermen can change their gear to match the selective properties with the current fishing situation.

Partners
DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources (coordinator)
Danish Fishermen PO, Denmark
Euronete Scandinavia A/S
Strandby Net A/S

Funding
The project was funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark.

Research area: Fisheries Technology
Research area: Marine Populations and Ecosystem Dynamics