Trål

Trål refers to a type of fishing net, often cone-shaped or bag-shaped, that is towed through the water by one or more boats. This process is known as trawling. The net is designed to capture fish or other marine life as it is dragged along the seabed or through the water column. Bottom trawling involves dragging the net along the ocean floor, which can capture demersal (bottom-dwelling) species. Midwater trawling, also called pelagic trawling, involves towing the net at various depths in the water column to catch pelagic species.

Trawling is a widely used commercial fishing method due to its efficiency in catching large quantities of fish. However, it is also a subject of controversy. Critics argue that bottom trawling can cause significant damage to marine habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, by disturbing or destroying the seabed. Concerns are also raised about bycatch, which is the unintentional capture of non-target species, including juvenile fish, marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles. Many of these non-target species are often discarded, and many do not survive.

Various regulations and management measures have been implemented in different regions to mitigate the environmental impacts of trawling. These can include restrictions on where and when trawling can occur, limitations on the types of gear used, and quotas for fish catches. Ongoing research aims to develop more selective fishing gear and sustainable trawling practices to minimize ecological damage and bycatch.