Deliverable 1.3: The economics of technological innovations to mitigate ecosystem effects of fishing: the pulse trawl in the North Sea
Hamon, K.G.; De Vos, B.I.; Poos, J.J.; Rijnsdorp, A.; Verlé, K.; Kinds, A.; Polet, H. (2016). Deliverable 1.3: The economics of technological innovations to mitigate ecosystem effects of fishing: the pulse trawl in the North Sea. Benthic Ecosystem Fisheries Impact Study (BENTHIS): Ijmuiden. 26 pp.
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Contact detailsCo-ordinator: Wageningen University and Research Centre; Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Studies (IMARES) , more
| Authors | | Top |
- Hamon, K.G.
- De Vos, B.I.
- Poos, J.J.
- Rijnsdorp, A., more
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- Verlé, K.
- Kinds, A., more
- Polet, H., more
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| Abstract |
In this study we focused on the mitigation of the benthic impacts of the beam trawl fisheries for sole through the use of electricity as a technological innovation (pulse trawls replacing traditional beam trawl) and particularly on the economics of the gear transition. We identify drivers that probably influenced the technological change and got insight in the factors that may promote or hamper the use pulse trawl. The studies show that the pulse trawl is economically more profitable than the traditional beam trawl when targeting sole. This is particularly true when fuel prices are high and also when the landing obligation is implemented (because the catch is more selective). In the Dutch fishery, the wages of the crew operating with pulse are also higher which probably explain the support that the pulse trawl received from the crew. However this is not the case in the Belgian fleet where crew wages are based on value of landings only (as opposed to value of landings minus fuel price in the Dutch fishery). In addition to the good economic performances of the pulse trawl, non-economic factors have played a role in the uptake of the pulse trawl in the sole fishery. In particular, the information sharing amongst fisher through study groups and demonstration days have accelerated the process in the Netherlands. The support of the Dutch government was also influential. In contrast, barriers such as limiting days at sea in the North Sea for Belgian fishers and the controversial image of the pulse in Belgium may have hindered the adoption of pulse in Belgium. |
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