trålfangst

trålfangst, or trawl fishing, refers to the method of harvesting fish and other marine organisms by towing a large net through the water. The net, often referred to as a trawl, can be towed open or closed, side‑by‑side, and is typically angled to create a funnel shape that guides prey into a mouth or cod end. Trawlers may operate in shallower coastal waters, in the open ocean or through deeper continental shelf areas, depending on species distribution and local regulations.

The practice dates back to the early 19th century when the European fishing industry began mechanizing to cope with increasing demand. Since then, trawl gear has evolved through advances in material science and design, improving efficiency but also raising concerns about bycatch and habitat disturbance. The most widely used forms are otter‑trawls for demersal species such as cod, haddock, and flatfish, and beam trawls for crustaceans like shrimp. Midwater trawls target pelagic species such as herring and mackerel, while long‑line trawls are a hybrid approach used by some artisanal fleets.

Environmental impacts include the unintentional capture of non‑target species (bycatch), damage to benthic habitats from bottom trawling, and depletion of target stocks if not managed sustainably. Many jurisdictions have introduced measures such as catch quotas, closed seasons, gear restrictions, and marine protected areas to mitigate these effects. Independent certification schemes also reward fisheries that adopt best‑practice methods. Although trålfangst continues to be a major source of seafood protein worldwide, its future depends on balancing market demands with ecological stewardship and robust regulatory frameworks.