The sustainability of the fishing fleet is essential for its long-term viability, making it necessary to identify improvements that reduce environmental impact. For trawling vessels in particular, lowering fuel consumption and minimising impact on the seabed are key priorities in advancing towards more sustainable operations.
An evaluation was carried out of an alternative to traditional bottom trawl doors. These semi-pelagic doors operate at a certain height above the seabed without actually touching it, meaning they do not alter seabed structure and significantly reduce physical impact.
In addition, they generate less hydrodynamic resistance than conventional bottom doors, leading to lower fuel consumption. In terms of manoeuvrability, they also offer greater flexibility, allowing vessels to follow curved routes more easily than with traditional bottom doors.
According to studies conducted during the CASELEM campaign with the OPROMAR fleet, semi-pelagic doors enable simultaneous progress in seabed protection and energy efficiency, representing a practical and effective innovation for more sustainable trawl fisheries.
Sectors: Fisheries and aquaculture sector, Manufacturers of machinery and industrial equipment
Research lines: Blue Economy, Climate change, Efficient, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
Research sublines: Fishery technologies, Mitigating climate change