The project aims to contribute to the improvement of the selectivity of trawling gear in the Mediterranean.

The project carried out by CEPESCA has evaluated the effect of an increase in the thickness of the material of the square mesh flakes of 40 mm span, established by Regulation 1967/2006 in a maximum of 3 mm of single twist, on the selectivity of trawls in the Spanish Mediterranean.

To this end, they have carried out two pilot campaigns, one in Murcia and the other in Almeria, using double codend with a “duplex” type trawl, which allows comparing the catches made simultaneously, wanting to focus on the following target species: red mullet (Mullus spp.), octopus (Octopus vulgaris), squid (Loligo vulgaris), bream (Pagellus erythrinus), hake (Merluccius merluccius), blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), white shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris), Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus).

Two scientific observers were responsible for sampling the catch and collecting information on the gear used, the catches carried out and the first sale of the landings. On board and in different stages, the data of each cast was taken. Once on land, the computerization of data obtained from the observers was analyzed to obtain estimates of catch composition percentages, catch yields and indices, distribution of catch sizes, catch quality and mesh size. Finally, based on the evaluation carried out in the project, Cepesca has proposed to the Commission to amend Regulation (EC) 1967/2006 to reduce the direct impact of trawling gear on the seabed and also to improve the energy efficiency of this fishery.

CEPESCA Project