GITAG. Gear Innovation and Technology Advisory Group

Transcription

1 GITAG Gear Innovation and Technology Advisory Group

2 Phase 2 industry based project established in August 2015 to foster flexible working partnerships between active fishers, industry and public bodies, gear technologists and science; aimed at inviting industry to submit ideas trialing innovations associated data collection and appropriate scientific analysis.

3 Funding & Partners 100% funded project EMFF funding to Dec 2019 Award of 1.08m Partnership with: Scottish Fishermen s Federation Seafish Marine Scotland Science Marine Scotland Policy Scottish Association of Fish Producer Associations

4 Working with Industry Management Group key partners Advisory Group: Whitefish Sector Nephrop Sector North Sea West Coast Advisory Group key to proving both advice and expertise to the project as well as disseminating outputs back to industry.

5 Funds Funding available to implement: 9 development charters 14 Nephrop Charters 10 Whitefish Charters Gear fully funded 7 day fully observed charter following skipper development Charter Report then feedback to skipper, industry and Marine Scotland

6 Phase 1 Outputs 4 Projects Amity Twin Cod end with separator panel Zenith Letterbox with modifications Atlas Letterbox with modifications Aurelia - Single net with 500mm panel (development Trial) Reports for Phase 1 will be available on Marine Scotland site, SFF site with information sheets available for each trial.

7 Amity Phase 1 - Project Concept

8 2 nd Phase Phase 2 focusing on selectivity using different sized cod ends Significant input from the owner and skipper to develop the gear and continue to trial on a commercial basis This is a blueprint for how to take forward a project ensuring that not only does it meet the selectivity objectives but it is also commercially viable Development work to date has been positive with the project working towards a full commercial trial in July/August 2017

9 Phase 2 - The Adorne Several pair seine skippers from NE Scotland have mentioned that they are having problems with the number of small fish, in particular haddock whiting and cod in their catches. These are fish around the old minimum landing size (now Minimum conservation reference size.)by landing large quantities of these small fish they are not able to maximise the value of their allocated quota for these species In conversation with Seafish gear technologist it was suggested that they could trial using square mesh codends. These have proved successful at releasing small round fish (haddock, whiting, cod etc.) in other fisheries. They are in regular use in some North American, Australian, Norwegian and Swedish fisheries and have proved that they can show a considerable improvement on the size selectivity of the gear. Trialing square mesh codends using 1000ply FS 100mm inside mesh Omega

10 Project Rationale The more usual diamond mesh, that is fairly standard in trawl gear, tends to have a variable opening and will actually close up as the codend fills with fish, thereby it may reduce selectivity during the tow. A diamond mesh on 100mm will only open to a diamond shape, about 25mm at its widest point when in the codend and extension of a trawl. In a square mesh codend the meshes stay wide open throughout the tow and do not close up at all as the codend fills with fish. A 100mm mesh in square mesh will be open to a constant 50mm square shape. This gives the small fish much more chance to escape capture. Square mesh is sometimes called T 45 coming from mesh turned through 45 degrees from the normal towing direction.

11 Aims of the Project Improve the selectivity of the pair seine nets. Prevent the capture of small round fish Eliminate the discarding of small round fish Help the fishermen maximise the returns from their allocated quota. Demonstrate to industry the benefits of using square mesh codends. Produce a prototype design that is practical for the fishermen to use. Reduce the drag of the gear thereby reducing fuel consumption. Improve the catch quality. By using knotless netting for the codends there will be less abrasion on the fish therefore it should be in prime condition when taken onboard. Achieving this will enable the industry to catch their allocated quota in a more profitable, sustainable and environmentally acceptable manner.

12 Projects in Development Seine net vessels looking at the issue of capture of small fish Innovative designs and materials for example; a cylindrical grid used in the Dutch nephrops fishery Smaller nephrop vessels looking to eliminate small fish and maximise use of quota Construction of trawls with large mesh throughout and not only eliminate small fish but also reduce fuel costs Use of lighter gear to minimise seabed impact Trawls to reduce the catch of round fish and maximise the catch of nephrops, flats and monk fish. Each project to assist individual skippers to manage the landing obligation whilst maintaining profitability