Hirtshals

The Sintef Flume Tank at the North Sea Centre in Hirtshals, Denmark provides a facility for practical trawl gear technology training and is used by Seafish for project work.

Seafish are committed to training of fishermen by using the Sintef Flume Tank in Hirtshals, to provide Trawl Gear Technology training courses.

This is undertaken by funding travel from the UK to Hirtshals, which includes costs of hiring the tank and overnight accommodation for fishermen and UK trainers.

Courses cover 2-3 days of work at the Flume Tank, covering a basic syllabus but also tailoring the course to suit the type of fishing that the participants are involved with. The courses provide fishermen with a valuable insight into their gear, providing an understanding of how the gear reacts underwater in a variety of working conditions. It also provides fishermen with an insight into modern developments in the industry.

The Training is part funded by the European Fisheries Fund in both Scotland and England. During 2009-11, for each country over the 2 years we aim to provide;

• 6 training courses (12 courses in total)
• 10-12 fishermen attending each course (total of 100-120 fishermen trained)
• Production of 2 model trawls  (4 model trawls in total)

For further information please contact:

Mike Montgomerie
Gear Technologist
e: m_montgomerie@seafish.co.uk
t: 01472 252327