Using hydrodynamics to develop more selective fishing gears (HydroSel) (39691)

The hydrodynamics of the flow in and around fishing gears will be used to improve the selective performance of the gears themselves. Hydrodynamics influences the mesh opening and shape of a fishing gear, the swimming performance of fish and their location in and their passage through a gear. It can be used to prevent blockages in a gear, improve escape opportunities and can enhance a fish’s ability to respond to other stimuli.

We will investigate the hydrodynamics at critical points of the fish capture process and in particular examine the hydrodynamics at the (i) the footrope and groundgear, (ii) the headline, (iii) at guiding panels, (iv) square mesh panels and (v) in the codend. Numerical simulations with high performance computers and scale models in flume and towing tanks will be used. Case studies will be carried out in collaboration with the industry to show how hydrodynamics can improve fishing gear selectivity.

Partners
DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources (coordinator)
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark
University of Rostock, Germany

Funding

The project is funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the Danish Fisheries Agency.

Research area: Fisheries Technology
Research area: Coastal Ecology