In the last July were carried out the test in South Adriatic (FAO Geographical Sub Area – GSA 18) within the Decarbonyt project (Pilot study subtask-2d). A bottom Trawler from the Brindisi fishing port was used to test new doors and net. The innovations regarding the use of floating doors and a lighter net, this to allow for less abrasion of bottom and lower towing loads and consequently lower fuel consumption. The experimentation was conducted in a comparative manner: new gear vs the fishing gear (net and doors) that is normally used during professional fishing. The tests lasted 12 days in which over 35 hauls were carried out in fishing ground usually used by fishing in from this area. During the tests, multiple data were collected thought the sensors used regarding the performance of the nets (vertical and horizontal opening) and the doors (horizontal opening and distance from the bottom) as well as engine fuel consumption. Furthermore, catches data both in terms of commercial and discard fraction were collected for each type of net and combination of new equipment.
The results confirm that the use of the tested new equipment led to fuel savings especially when the floating doors and the innovative net were used together. However, this was accompanied by a significant decrease in catch especially for the target species (hake, deep rose shrimp, curled octopus, red mullet). This decrease was attenuated when only one of the innovative components was used: net or doors. The data collected, which will be analyzed in depth in the coming months, will be a valuable source of information to support management advice with the final objective of sustainable fishing from both an environmental and economic point of view.