Passive Shrimp fishing (TRAPS)

Background and Objective

Traditional shrimp fishing in the North Sea is currently conducted almost exclusively with bottom trawls (beam trawls), which are criticized for their high energy consumption and potential ecological impacts. Given rising fuel prices and increasing environmental regulations, there is a growing need for alternative and sustainable fishing methods.

The TRAPS project researches and develops passive fishing gear as an environmentally friendly alternative to beam trawls. The goal is to identify technical options for an energy-efficient, ecologically, and economically sustainable shrimp fishery. This initiative is part of a larger EU-funded project on sustainable fisheries within the framework of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). The project activities are coordinated with the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.

As part of TRAPS, two alternative fishing methods will be investigated:

1. Stow net (dolnet) fishing – nets that are anchored in place and allow water currents to pass through them.
2. Traps – passive fishing gear into which shrimp actively move.

Both methods will be examined in terms of catch efficiency, ecological impact, and economic feasibility. The project includes technical development, optimization trials in the laboratory, and testing of these devices under real fishing conditions. The results will be used to assess their economic viability.

Target Group

Nature Conservation, Fisheries

Approach

The project consists of four work packages (WPs):

WP1: Development and Testing of Stow net Fishing
Stow nets (also known as dolnets) are stationary nets that are passed through by water currents (e.g., river currents or tidal flows). These nets are used by anchored vessels, resulting in extremely low energy consumption and environmental impact. Therefore, they present a promising alternative to fishing with beam trawls that are dragged across the sea floor.

Key Questions:

• What is the catch rate for North Sea shrimp?
• Which environmental factors influence catchability (current, tides, water depth)?
• What is the bycatch rate, and how can it potentially be reduced?

Methodology:

• Selection of appropriate net designs in collaboration with fishermen and net makers
• Technical optimization of net construction to improve catch yield and reduce bycatch
• Testing of different net openings and mesh sizes
• Field trials to assess seasonal and regional catchability of stow nets
• Development of measures for more selective fishing

WP2: Development and Testing of Traps
Traps offer an alternative method by actively attracting shrimp, rather than filtering them from the current.

Key Questions:

• Which types of traps are most effective for North Sea shrimp?
• Which factors influence fishing efficiency (bait, light, soaking time, placement)?
• What ecological advantages do traps offer compared to beam trawls?

Methodology:

• Selection of trap designs based on international best practices
• Use of attracting mechanisms (biological and artificial baits, light sources)
• Research on optimal soaking time and depth
• Experiments to minimize bycatch using escape panels or selective entrances
• Documentation of catch results and comparison with beam trawl fishing

WP3: Economic Evaluation of Passive Shrimp Fishing
Economic viability is a key factor in the acceptance of alternative fishing methods.

Key Questions:

• What are the investment and operating costs compared to beam trawl fishing?
• What revenue models are realistic?
• What market potentials exist for sustainably caught shrimp?

Methodology:

• Evaluation of profitability in comparison to active fishing
• Development of potential business models for commercial use

WP4: Integration, Stakeholder Engagement, and Knowledge Transfer
The introduction of new fishing methods requires close cooperation with fishermen, scientists, environmental organizations, and policymakers.

Key Questions:

• How can fishermen be involved early in the development process?
• What is the practical acceptance of passive fishing gear?
• Which regulatory and ecological frameworks need to be considered?

Methodology:

• Workshops with fishing businesses
• Ongoing stakeholder dialogues to identify potential barriers
• Comparative assessment of ecological impacts
• Public outreach and dissemination of project results
• Exchange with international research groups on passive fishing"**