Using Hydrodynamics to Improve Sea Star Fisheries in Coastal Regions

Sea stars (starfish) predate on various shellfish such as mussels and clams, and can have a negative impact on the blue-mussel production and aquaculture. This has encouraged the harvesting of sea stars to protect blue mussels and clams from predation, but they are also targeted commercially, as a valuable protein source used e.g. in animal feed. Towed fishing gears can be used to harvest sea stars in coastal regions, however, little is known scientifically about the hydrodynamics around these gears. To better understand the hydrodynamics around towed fishing gears, an experimental investigation has been carried out in a current flume within the DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering Hydraulics Laboratory.