Initial fishing trials using a new design of prawn trawl developed to reduce unwanted bycatches of fish have produced encouraging results.
The prototype trawl is the brainchild of north-east fishing skipper Jimmy Buchan and Peterhead-based net-maker Mark Buchan of Jackson Trawls.
It is designed to help North Sea prawn fishers comply with the ban on fish discards, or the dumping of fish – often dead – at sea.
In a project supported by industry gear innovation technology and advisory Group (Gitag), initial fishing trials with the new trawl on Mr Buchan’s boat Amity II have shown a significant drop in the amount of unwanted white-fish retained but without any loss of prawn catch.
Also, the quality of the prawns was noticeably better compared with those caught in traditional trawls.
The new design features an inclined panel which separates fish from the prawns within the trawl.
The fish are directed upwards, with many escaping through large meshes in the top part of the net, while the prawns are retained in the bottom section.
The trials are still ongoing, using different configurations and mesh sizes in order to work out the best design.
Mr Buchan said: “Innovation never stops nor should it. We are entering a new era in fisheries management where fishermen are challenged to find new and better ways to harvest the sea.
“This gear trial is part of the outward focus in finding workable solutions that are acceptable to all stakeholders and where fishermen can continue to fish responsibly.
“Much work has yet to be done but early indications are showing promising results.”
