Development of Low Drag Trawls for Energy Efficient Fishing
Development of Low Drag Trawls for Energy Efficient Fishing
Date
2020
Authors
Remesan, M. P.
Sayana, K. A.
Madhu, V. R.
Pravin, P.
Thomas, Saly N.
Edwin, Leela
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Fisheries Technologists (India)
Abstract
Trawl drag is an important factor determining the
energy efficiency and profitability of trawling. Drag
experienced during trawling depends on the design,
rigging, accessories of the net, hydrographic and
dragging conditions and has a direct bearing on fuel
consumption. Fuel cost can alone constitute up to
75% of the operational expenditure of a trawler.
Stronger materials will permit the use of thinner
twines to reduce twine surface area and hence drag.
Empirical estimations of drag of different commercial
trawl nets in Kerala showed it to range from 1.37
to 48.94 kN. Comparative fishing trials were carried
out with 24 m trawls made of HDPE twine and
ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE). Study revealed that average fuel
consumption of HDPE trawls was 31.86±1.25 l-h
whereas it was 25.31±1.38 l-h for UHMWPE trawl.
CPUE were 8.1 kg h-1 and 7.9 kg h-1 for UHMWPE
trawl and HDPE trawl respectively. Results shows
that material substitution, coupled with improvement
in trawl design, appropriate gear accessories
and towing speed can help significantly in reducing
the drag and concurrent reduction in fuel use.
Description
Keywords
Low drag trawl, energy efficiency, UHMWPE, twine surface area