2013 - 2013 Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) Area VII Haddock Discard Eliminations using Technical Measures 2013/14 - Fisheries Science Partnership

The twin rig trawler Ocean Spirit was chartered for twelve days in August and September 2013 to undertake fishing trials off southwest England. The aim of the work was to improve the selective performance of demersal otter trawls to reduce unwanted catches of haddock in ICES area VII. The practical approach taken was to insert large diamond‐mesh escape panels into the top forward sections of the trawl and to evidence changes in selectivity towards haddock and other commercial species under normal fishing conditions. The vessel’s own commercial twin‐rig trawl was used for the trials; one rig was modified by including large diamond‐mesh panel(s), the other was left in its standard commercial configuration to provide a direct comparison.