Development of an aligned rolling footgear to reduce seabed impacts of bottom trawl fisheries

Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and Greenland Halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) located off the east coast of Nunavut (Arctic Canada) are currently harvested by factory freezer vessels using bottom trawls. This fishery is a major contribution to the territory’s economy. However, bottom trawling is not without its ecological impact. Bottom trawl’s footgear, located below the fishing line and in contact with the seabed to protect the netting and to guide animals into the trawl net, can cause an impact to the seabed. This project will aid in the development of a bottom trawl net with reduced impact by developing an innovative footgear that is aligned with the towing direction and capable of rolling.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Winger

Student:

Tomas Araya-Schmidt

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic

Discipline:

Resources and environmental management

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland