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This report describes a demonstration trial of a single-rig, demersal whitefish ‘Rockhopper’ trawl constructed entirely of T90 or ‘turned mesh’ netting. This is the first time that T90 technology has been used in this way in the UK. The trawl used for this trial was designed and constructed by Icelandic trawl manufacturer, Fjardanet which has been pioneering this technology for a number of years. Descriptions of the fishing gear used are included. The report describes some background to the development work and the concept of T90 technology. Eight days of commercial fishing trials were carried out in January 2008 using the Shetland based vessel Mizpah operating on local fishing grounds about 50 miles NE of Lerwick. Despite being hampered by poor weather a total of 21 hauls were completed. The aim of the trials was to evaluate the performance of the T90 trawl with reference to fuel savings as a result of the reduced netting drag associated with this technology. This was done by measuring the main gear performance parameters and comparing them with those of the vessel’s existing gear of the same general dimensions. Some catch sampling was undertaken to examine other reported attributes of T90 trawls such improved catch rates, size selection and catch quality. From a gear performance perspective the T90 trawl compared well with the vessel’s own trawl. The information gathered on the fuel efficiency aspects of the gear however did not show any significant benefits from the T90 trawl despite indications that the netting drag had been considerably reduced, (~20%). The findings from the catch data were inconclusive. There were some indications of larger size ranges of some species being caught and retained by the T90 trawl but the findings did not appear to bear out the findings and experiences of the Icelandic fishermen to the same extent. There was more loss of marketable size grades of some species, particularly whiting associated with the T90 trawl. This was thought to be as a result of the more consistent mesh opening noted throughout the T90 trawl. The positive side of this was that there were no discards recorded. There was no noticeable difference in catch quality detected. The results showed that the combination of the T90 trawl fitted with a conventional diamond mesh codend of the same mesh size produced the best commercial results. The results were insufficient to draw any firm conclusions on the overall effectiveness of the T90 trawl and a number of proposals for further work have been highlighted.

Since 1987 the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) fleet has towed double rigs (two nets). Prior to this most trawlers towed quad rig (four nets). To improve economic efficiency in the fishery there is great interest to again allow the use of quad rig.

Catch Comparison Trials using a 400mm Square Mesh Panel

Market Data terms of use 2020

This presentation by Martin Sutcliffe, Chair, South West Aquaculture Network, looked at a bottom up approach to aquaculture development in the South West.

This presentation by John Fitzgerald from Impact9 looked at aquaculture containment technology.

Monthly update of seafood legislation developments.

Ripping (or Jigging) is the fishing method in which a weighted line with a number of hooks is lowered into a shoal of feeding fish. The hooks are disguised with colouired lures to attract the fish and the line is moved rapidly up and down. This has traditionally been a handline fishery, but new equipment from Scandinavia has now fully automated the process at very reasonable cost. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Monitoring on mineral oil hydrocarbons; Carrefour Belgium will stop selling Pangasius fish; Outcome of the Council meeting “Agriculture and Fisheries”; New study on fisheries subsidies in major non-EU fishing nations; Protective measures on imports of bivalve molluscs from Turkey intended for human consumption, as regards its period of application; Fishery products: Panamanian reefer vessel inspection; Brexit Implications for Employment and Social Affairs: Facts and Figures; MEP Ian Duncan: Brexit means EU must postpone new fisheries laws; News Analysis: Dutch experts concerned over negative impact of Brexit; Agriculture Committee to look at effect of Brexit on Irish fisheries

Letter from Discard Action Group Chairman, Mike Park, to Commissioner Maria Damanaki dated 24 May 2011.

This report is a collection of six specifications developed by the Authority to assist oyster processors and product manufacturers. The recipes and procedures are based on work conducted by the Authority’s Market Development Unit to a point at which interested firms can sophisticate the products to suit their won systems and requirements. This report has been produced from a scanned original and may therefore contain some formatting and other inaccuracies. In cases where this affects the technical content, a paper copy of the original report can still be obtained from Seafish.

Our Annual Plan is taken from our 2015-18 Corporate Plan and details the programmes of work we will deliver in 2015/16 . The Plan sets out the costs associated with our work programmes as well as our Key Performance Indicators for the year.