Tag Archives: trawling

Research finds trawling not as devastating as often portrayed

An ongoing two-year independent study on trawling and its effect on benthic sea life — species that live on sea floors where trawling occurs – has found that the practice may not be as devastating as it is portrayed by some NGOs. The major data collection and analysis for the project has been completed, including assessments of mobile bottom contact gear in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa and most of the US, making it six times more extensive than and previous compilations. Read the article here 18:36

PERSPECTIVE: trawling for fish and scooping up public opinion

bycatch article dr brett molonyDr Brett Molony from Department of Fisheries, WA delves into the sensitive topic of untargeted marine species being collected during commercial fishing operations in WA waters and he encourages people to put this issue into the context of what makes up a sustainable fishery. The idea of bycatch, or marine creatures being unintentionally captured by commercial fishing gears, has long proved to be a point of contention for the Australian public. But when considering these issues attached to commercial fishing, people need to bear in mind that the solution is not as simple as closing a fishery—nothing comes free. Read the rest here 19:10

Trawling has “negligible” effect on soft-bottom seafloor

Trawling is continually criticised by environmental advocates for the damage it causes to rocky marine habitats and the long-lived animals that occur in them. However, important questions remain about the extent of any damage to sandy and muddy environments. During the three-year study, fishermen trawled patches of the ocean floor off Morro Bay. Those areas were analysed by underwater photos and video and compared with nearby areas that were untouched. Read more here 07:37

EU: Bottom trawling advocates and opponents make their voices heard

On the eve of the meeting that the Fisheries Ministers of the European Union (EU) will hold in Brussels, the voices for and against the proposal to ban bottom trawling are becoming stronger. This Monday prominent street artists are making artworks simultaneously in six European capitals to express the social rejection of this fishing gear. Read more here 19:33

Fishing technique known as trawling can sometimes be productive

High-intensity raking of the seabed, called trawling, is a very effective fishing method that can inflict significant collateral damage on sea life. However, it can sometimes help fish populations to grow, scientists have found. more@sitnews 11:54