The Dutch fishing sector for Dutch shrimps (Crangon crangon) is innovating with the aim of improving the selectivity of the gears and fishing lighter, for example within the Innovation project selective shrimp fishery Wadden Sea.
Innovation project selective shrimp fishery Wadden Sea
Within the Innovation project selective shrimp fishery Wadden Sea, existing prototypes to improve selectivity and to fish more easily in the fishery for Dutch shrimps (Crangon crangon) are being further developed. This is done in collaboration between fishermen, net makers and scientists from the research institute Wageningen Marine Research (WMR).
Innovation in shrimp fishing
Those with the best ideas for gear modifications to improve selectivity or reduce fuel consumption are often the fishermen themselves. Whether the designs devised by them also work under the rough conditions at sea is the question, however. Field tests are needed to see how the gear adjustments behave under the influence of, for example, the water flow and the resistance of the seabed. Scientists thereby collect data in order to be able to determine with an objective view whether the modified gear produces the desired results.
This form of innovation is expensive: ships that are used can catch less than usual during the tests and the scientists have to be paid. If a promising prototype is available after an initial test period, it will be further developed to ensure that earnings are made that keep the fishing company profitable. The Innovation project selective shrimp fishery Wadden Sea is about the last part of the innovation process: preparing promising prototypes for use.
Sustainability objectives
The sustainability objectives, such as improving the selectivity of the gears and fishing lighter, are laid down in the VIBEG agreement with nature organizations and the government. The sector has also been awarded the MSC certificate for sustainable fisheries, partly for these objectives. This project also anticipates the landing obligation regulation, which aims to allow European fishermen to innovate to fish more selectively.
Waddenfonds
The Waddenfonds has allocated 60% funding for this project. The project started in the autumn of 2018 and will run for four years. The Nederlandse Vissersbond is the secretary of this innovation project on behalf of the entire shrimp sector. Together with the fisheries organizations VisNed and PO Rousant, the Nederlandse Vissersbond carries out the organizational activities to make the innovation possible.
Information links (in Dutch)
- Garnalensorteerrooster (grid) getest op de Noordzee (20 mei 2021)
- Proef “zeefmat” ZK 1 (17 september 2020)
- Aangepaste klossenpees getest op garnalenkotter WR-57 (23 april 2020)
