Bottentrålfisket

Bottentrålfisket is a method of fishing where a large net, known as a trawl, is dragged along the seabed. This net is designed to scoop up whatever marine life it encounters, including fish, crustaceans, and other bottom-dwelling organisms. The trawl is typically pulled by one or two fishing vessels. There are different types of bottom trawls, including beam trawls and otter trawls, which vary in their design and how they are deployed.

The primary purpose of bottentrålfisket is to catch commercial fish species that live near the seafloor. It is a widely used and often efficient method for harvesting large quantities of fish. However, bottentrålfisket is also associated with significant environmental concerns. The dragging of the net can damage sensitive seabed habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are important for marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. Furthermore, bottom trawling can result in substantial bycatch, which is the unintentional capture of non-target species, including vulnerable or protected animals. Efforts to mitigate the impact of bottentrålfisket include the development of more selective fishing gear, the establishment of marine protected areas where trawling is prohibited, and the implementation of spatial and temporal closures to protect critical habitats and spawning grounds.