Pilot study 2b of the Subtask 2b OTB Tyrrhenian (GSA9-10), has been conducted in the FAO-GFCM GSAs 9 and 10, and specifically in the eastern Ligurian Sea (GSA9-10). The FV Venere II, a trawler based in Livorno, was chartered for the survey. Novel otterboards (flying doors) and a redesigned trawl net with key adjustments to enhance waterflow have been tested and compared to the traditional gear settings (doors and net).
Preliminary results showed promising opportunities for the reduction of fuel consumption, especially when the combined configuration (novel doors + redesigned trawl) has been tested. Deep-water rose shrimp (the main target species in the investigated fishing grounds) catches were mostly constant in all hauls, and, although the fishing skipper would prefer slightly bigger doors, the resulting fuel saving was highly appreciated, as well as the resilient behavior of the flying doors during towing (e.g., easy return in position after a small mud obstruction). The innovative trawl net showed significant results in the reduction of fuel consumption, but fisher’s perception was not satisfying due to a slight reduction in demersal roundfish catch (to be confirmed by a detailed data analysis).