Demersal species tend to come off the seabed frequently and when this happens it is hard to catch the fish with traditional ground trawls because they do not have enough height.
Vónin says that by using the company's Super Height Trawl, which is a semi-pelagic trawl, fishermen will not only be more efficient and reach these fish, but the seabed will also be protected from erosion and fuel savings will be made.
The Super Height Trawl is much larger than traditional ground trawls. It has a fishing foot rope of approximately 85-100m, while ground trawls have a fishing foot rope of approximately 25-40m. The vertical opening is approximately 20-30m, while the bottom trawls have an opening of approximately 4-8m, depending on the size.
Even though the Super Height Trawl is a much larger trawl, Vónin says that it is lighter to tow. This is because of the special design of the trawl and because it travels very lightly on the seabed.
Vónin originally developed this trawl for fishing Silversmelt by pair trawling, but the company has modified the trawl so stern trawlers are also able to use it for catching cod, haddock, saithe and other demersal species.
With the Super Height Trawl, the rig and trawl doors are up from the seabed. Fishermen can use their regular bottom trawl doors, but the company says it is preferable is to use pelagic trawl doors because their special design makes them much more efficient with.
Vónin claims that by using the Super Height Trawl, fishermen will save fuel, save the seabed from erosion and become much more efficient - 'green' fishing!!
