Mitigation of effect of towed fishing gears in the Black Sea

In the Black Sea, in the Samsun Shelf Area, BENTHIS has conducted a series of experimental surveys to reduce the impact of beam trawls and bottom trawls on the ecosystem. The experiments were conducted in July and August 2014, using commercial fishing vessels. The research team used novel and traditional beam trawls for the Rapa whelk fisheries, to determine their effects on the benthic habitat. The novel gear had modified shoes which prevented their penetration into the substratum. The efficiency of these gears were discussed with stakeholders. In comparison with the conventional beam trawl, both bycatch and fuel costs were reduced.

A second series of experimental surveys consisted of selectivity trials, in order to reduce bycatch in the whiting (M. merlangius euxinus) and red mullet (Mullus barbatus) fishery. These are the most important demersal species of Black Sea ecosystem. For these trials, different cod-ends of nets were tested. The results still need to be analysed.