Danish organisations, DTU Food, the DFPO and Aquamind are seeking a fishing vessel to take part in a North Sea trawl trial in 2026
DTU Food, DFPO, and Aquamind are seeking vessels for a trawl development trial in the Danish and Norwegian zones of the North Sea in the first half of 2026.
The Danish Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries is announcing the project, which will allow participating vessels the possibility of being allocated additional annual quotas. The project aims to create an opportunity for all interested fishermen to apply to participate in the experimental fishery.
Purpose and Expected Outcomes
The trial’s purpose is to investigate the quality difference between a standard 120mm trawl bag and a specially developed New Zealand tarpaulin trawl bag. While previous studies have shown that the new trawl increases quality and reduces the catch of undersized roundfish, it has also increased the catch of undersized flatfish.
This expedition will attempt to solve the flatfish challenge while maintaining quality improvements.
The data will be used in a research project supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. The project collaborators expect to describe bycatch differences, fishing activity, and quality and price differences between the two trawl bags.
Requirements for Participation
Vessels must meet a number of requirements to be considered for the trial, which will run from January to July 31, 2026.
Participating vessels must be able to provide a 120mm full mesh trawl codend, have a crane that can lift a 5-tonne Flomo bag, and be of sufficient size and stability to lift the bag. The vessel must also have two extra berths for observers and be able to sea-pack the catch separately for the two bags.
The experiment will require vessels to make 3-6 tows per day, lasting up to five hours each. Vessels or crew with previous experience in scientific experiments will be given priority.
