Tråling

Tråling, also known as trawling, is a fishing method where a large net is dragged along the ocean floor to catch fish and other marine life. The term originates from the Dutch word "traaien," meaning to drag. This method is commonly used in commercial fishing and can be conducted from various types of vessels, including trawlers, which are specifically designed for this purpose.

Trawling involves lowering a net equipped with weights to the ocean floor and then dragging it along the seabed. The net is typically made of strong, durable materials such as nylon or polyester and is designed to capture a wide variety of fish species. The size and design of the net can vary depending on the target species and the fishing conditions.

One of the primary advantages of trawling is its ability to cover large areas of the ocean floor efficiently, making it suitable for catching large quantities of fish. However, trawling can also have significant environmental impacts. The dragging of the net across the seabed can disturb marine habitats, damage coral reefs, and disrupt the natural behavior of marine organisms. Additionally, trawling can lead to bycatch, where non-target species such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and other protected species are inadvertently caught and killed.

To mitigate these environmental impacts, many fishing industries and regulatory bodies have implemented measures to reduce the ecological footprint of trawling. These measures include the use of selective gear, which is designed to minimize bycatch, and the establishment of protected areas where trawling is restricted. Despite these efforts, trawling remains a controversial practice due to its potential environmental consequences.