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A trawl net is a fishing net dragged along the sea to catch marine animals. There are different types of trawl nets used for commercial fishing. They include:
Otter Trawl Nets
Otter trawl nets are towed from a vessel by using two otter boards or doors to create horizontal mouth openings. The otter boards are weighted and spread out behind and to the sides of the fishing vessel. The boards hold the net open and force it to the seabed. Otter trawl nets are popular and commonly used to catch fish and shrimp.
Bullet Trawl Nets
These are a type of otter trawl where smaller otter boards are used to widen the net's mouth. Bullet trawl nets are used for fishing in shallow waters. They can be towed at different depths and are suitable for catching demersal and pelagic fish.
Beam Trawl Nets
They consist of a steel beam held by a frame that is placed on the seabed. The beam creates horizontal mouth openings, and chains or rollers are used to keep the net open. Beam trawl nets are commonly used to catch flat fish and species that inhabit the seabed.
Bottom Trawl Nets
Bottom trawl nets are dragged along the seabed to catch demersal fish and other marine animals. The mouth of the net is kept open with a weighted horizontal bar, and the net is towed from the vessel. However, the type of trawl net causes damage to the sea floor and threatens marine life that inhabits the sea floor.
Midwater Trawl Nets
These are similar to the bottom trawl nets but are not towed along the sea floor. Instead, they are towed at different depths to target marine animals at the bottom and at the surface of the sea.
Pelagic Trawl Nets
These trawl nets are used to catch marine animals that swim in the ocean, including herring and mackerel. Pelagic trawl nets are towed through the water column using buoys to maintain the depth of the net.
Demersal Trawl Nets
These nets are specifically designed to capture fish that live on or near the ocean floor, such as cod and flatfish. They are used to target species like shrimp and certain types of crab that dwell on the seabed.
Tuna Trawl Nets
These are large-meshed pelagic trawl nets specifically designed to catch tuna. Tuna trawl nets are used to catch large fish that swim in schools at different depths in the ocean.
Trawl nets are versatile fishing tools that are used for different applications worldwide. Here are some of the common applications:
Commercial Fishing
Undoubtedly, the primary application of trawl nets is in commercial fishing. Trawl nets are the most common fishing gear used for large-scale fish harvesting. They are used to catch different fish and seafood species, including shrimp, cod, flatfish, and pelagic fish. Trawl nets are popular because they enable fish companies to catch large quantities of fish efficiently and effectively. The bottom and mid-water trawls are primarily used to target demersal and pelagic fish, respectively. Shrimp and prawn trawl nets are used to harvest crustaceans from the sea floor.
Aquaculture
Interestingly, trawl nets are also used in aquaculture. Fish farmers use these nets during fish farming operations. For instance, farmers use trawl nets to stock and harvest fish. Additionally, farmers can use the nets to monitor fish health and separate fish of different sizes. Trawl nets are effective tools for managing fish farming operations.
Research and Data Collection
Another important application of trawl nets is marine research. Marine researchers use survey trawl nets to collect data on marine life. During their studies, they use the nets to gather information on fish populations, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. They also collect samples of different marine organisms for research purposes. Additionally, marine scientists use trawl nets to monitor environmental changes and assess the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Bycatch Reduction and Conservation
In recent years, there have been several innovations in trawl fishing gear to reduce bycatch and promote sustainable fishing practices. For instance, TEDs and EFPs have been developed to allow non-target species and juvenile fish to escape while retaining the target species. These conservation tools are crucial for protecting endangered species and ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
To buy the correct trawl net, business buyers must understand the different types and their uses. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a trawl net:
Type of Trawl Net
Various trawl nets include bottom, mid-water, and pelagic trawl nets. Each net is used to catch various species. For instance, the bottom trawl net is used to catch demersal fish and shrimp. At the same time, the mid-water trawl net is used to catch pelagic fish, such as herring and mackerel.
Mesh Size
Business buyers should consider that the mesh size of the trawl net is vital to the fishing process. A small mesh size can catch small fish. Conversely, a small mesh size can lead to bycatch and waste. Therefore, business buyers must get various mesh sizes to target different fish species.
Durability
Discover the material used to make the trawl net. Many commercial fishing trawl nets are made from nylon, cotton, or polyester. A good fishing net material can withstand repeated use and exposure to saltwater.
Net Design
The design of the trawl net will affect the fishing efficiency. For instance, some nets have a rectangular shape, while others have a cone or funnel shape. A cone trawl net is great for catching fish, whereas a rectangular net is great for catching shrimp.
Net Size
The size of the trawl net is also important. Large nets are suitable for large vessels and deep waters, while small nets are great for small vessels and shallow waters. Buyers should also consider the size of the target species.
Ease of Use
Businesses should get trawl nets that are easy to operate, handle, and store. They should also be easy to repair in case of damages.
Cost
Business buyers should consider their budget and the overall cost of the trawl net. Although a high-quality net may be more expensive, it will provide more cost savings in the long run.
Trawl nets have various functions that are based on their design and the area where they are used. Here are some of the functions, features and design of trawl nets:
Material
Trawl netting is usually made of nylon or polyethylene. The material used is of high quality and will vary depending on the size and type of net. For instance, a large commercial net will use thicker material compared to a small fish farm net. The netting may also be made of cotton or other materials, depending on the area where the net is used.
Mesh Size
The mesh size of the trawl net varies depending on the target species and age. A smaller fish will require a smaller mesh size to ensure that it does not escape. At the same time, a larger fish will require a net with larger mesh sizes. The netting can be easily adjusted to different mesh sizes, ensuring that the fisherman catches the desired fish.
Shape and Design
Trawl nets come in different designs and shapes, which affect their catch efficiency and target species. For instance, a cone shape is more efficient for larger fish than a funnel shape. At the same time, a square shape is more effective for crustaceans than a circular shape. The design and shape of the net also affect the net's durability and how easy it will be to repair any damages.
Floatation Devices
Trawl nets will have buoyancy devices that will keep the net afloat when in use. The devices are strategically placed on the net to ensure that it is properly supported. They are usually made of plastic or any other material that can easily float and are of the right size and shape to provide the required buoyancy.
Weight Distribution
The trawl net will have weights that will ensure the net sinks into the water. Similar to the buoyancy devices, the weights are strategically placed to ensure that the net is properly balanced. In most cases, the weights are made of lead, and the amount of weight varies depending on the size of the net.
Joint Type
The type of joint used in the trawl net will affect its durability and how easy it will be to repair. Trawl nets usually use either a knot or a knotless joint. Knot joints are easier to make and repair, while knotless joints provide a stronger net. The type of joint will also affect the net's flexibility and how well it will stretch when in use.
Q1: Can a trawl net be used for recreational fishing?
A1: Trawl nets are primarily commercial fishing gear but can also be used for recreational fishing. However, their use for recreational fishing is typically limited to situations where larger fish species are targeted, such as for charter fishing operations. In recreational fishing, smaller net types, like scoop or seine nets, are more commonly used. It’s important to check local regulations, as some areas prohibit net fishing for recreation.
Q2: What are the main types of trawl nets?
A2: There are various types of trawl nets, but the most common include:
Q3: What is the difference between a trawl and a net?
A3: A trawl and a net are fishing gear designed to catch fish and other marine organisms. However, they differ in size and application. A trawl is a large-scale fishing gear typically used by commercial fisheries to catch large quantities of fish. It is towed behind a fishing vessel, and the net can be either bottom, midwater, or pelagic, depending on the target species. On the other hand, a net is a smaller fishing tool used by both commercial and recreational fishers. It can be set as gill nets or purse nets and is manually operated to catch fish. While both trawls and nets are effective fishing gear, their size and operational methods distinguish them from one another.
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