Survey
The fieldwork investigates how trawl-induced hydrodynamic processes influence sediment mobilisation from the seabed.
From 19 to 25 April 2026, the research vessel Havfisken will conduct fieldwork in Kattegat.
The purpose of the fieldwork is to improve our understanding of how trawl-induced hydrodynamic processes influence sediment mobilisation from the seabed. Specifically, we will investigate how the magnitude of the drag forces generated as a trawl moves through the water governs the turbulence produced in its wake, and how this turbulence controls the quantity of sediment lifted from the seafloor into the water column.
The results from this sea trial will provide a more detailed understanding of how specific netting attributes influence drag production and the associated levels of sediment mobilisation. These findings will enable improved estimates of the sediment mobilisation expected from the diverse trawl designs used in commercial fisheries. Moreover, this knowledge can be used to modify gear components to reduce the trawl's impact on the seabed, contributing to the overall goal of developing low-impact, environmentally friendly fishing gear.
The fieldwork is part of the research project Investigating transport, resuspension, penetration impacts of demersal gears (INTREPID) which is co-funded by the European Union through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (EMFAF).
Tiago Alexandre Matias da Veiga Malta Researcher National Institute of Aquatic Resources Mobile: +45 53629850 timat@aqua.dtu.dk
Barry O'Neill Professor National Institute of Aquatic Resources Mobile: +45 93510172 barone@aqua.dtu.dk