Better flow with hex mesh trawls

DUTCH trawlmaker Maritiem has been using hexagonal mesh successfully in its pelagic gear to improve fish flow. One Vrolijk trawler has been reporting good results with the gear since taking it on board in October 2004.

DUTCH trawlmaker Maritiem has been using hexagonal mesh successfully in its pelagic gear to improve fish flow. One Vrolijk trawler has been reporting good results with the gear since taking it on board in October 2004.

"It's a design that we have been working on for some time, " Erik de Graaf of Maritiem tells FNI.

"We can use hex mesh in the wings, but we prefer to keep to diamond meshes in the wings ö especially on horse mackerel ö with hex mesh used in a half to two thirds of the belly." He explains that the trawl is made in nylon throughout, using handspliced braided nylon rope in 12 to 22 mm from the company's regular suppliers.

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