Danish flume tank visit increases gear tech knowledge
The trip involved 14 representatives from the UK seafood supply chain, government and environmental organisations. It offered greater insight into fishing gear innovation, performance and sustainability.
David organised the visit as part of Seafish’s ongoing work to support a more informed, connected and future-ready seafood industry.
David said: “Growing consumer demand for responsibly sourced seafood is driving the need for more sustainable wild-capture fishing. Innovative fishing gear plays a critical role by improving selectivity of target species, protecting seabed habitats and improving energy efficiency.
“Bringing together stakeholders from across the UK seafood sector to see fishing gear in action helps build a shared understanding of how the industry operates in practice. The flume tank provides a unique environment where you can clearly see how small changes in design or rigging affect performance, selectivity and environmental impact. That insight is invaluable for informing decision-making across policy, supply chains and sustainability initiatives.”
The flume tank is an internationally recognised centre for testing and training in trawl gear technology. It provides a controlled environment where model fishing gear, including trawl nets and doors, can be assessed under simulated conditions, enabling detailed insight into how gear behaves in the water.
During the visit, participants explored practical approaches to improving gear performance and sustainability. This included examining selective devices that support the release of juvenile fish and reduce unwanted bycatch, as well as how adjustments to the rigging of nets and trawl doors can lessen seabed impact and improve vessel energy efficiency.
Through demonstrations and discussion, the group developed a clearer understanding of how gear components work together, how gear design influences the species caught, and why fishers select particular configurations to meet market demand. The programme also highlighted how innovation in gear design can support both environmental outcomes and operational efficiency, including improving selectivity and reducing fuel use.
The visit was a unique opportunity to see firsthand how the gear behaves and operates in the water, which is something that can’t be fully appreciated from looking at a picture or diagram. It was very beneficial in further developing my understanding of how the industry operates, and it generated a lot of valuable discussion within the group, particularly given the mix of roles across policy and the supply chain.
This was a fantastic opportunity to see fishing gear in action that I would not get elsewhere. I was particularly interested in trawl doors and different set-ups, as I am working with fishermen who are eager to trial configurations that reduce bycatch, lower fuel use and improve overall effectiveness. It was really valuable and has given me ideas I can implement in my role.