Performance of pulse trawling compared to conventional beam trawling

A series of nine fishing trips with on board observers were carried out on MFV UK153 (PT1) and two beam trawlers (BT1, BT2) of comparative engine power and size to appraise the performance of pulse beam v.s. conventional tickler chain beam trawls. Five comparative trips, carried out in the period between October 2005 and March 2006, were analysed for catch rates of marketable plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) and sole (Solea vulgaris L.), undersized plaice and sole and benthic fauna. The pulse trawl caught significantly less landings, i.e. 68% of the landings of a conventional beam trawler. This was mainly caused by smaller catches of sole, and plaice. A lower discard rate was not found for plaice, but it was for sole. The result for plaice is contrary to earlier experiments on FRV “Tridens” with both gear types towed simultaneously. Benthos (sandstar (Astropecten irregularis L.), common starfish (Asterias rubens L.), and swimming crab (Liocarcinus holsatus L.)) were caught in significantly smaller numbers, which is in line with the results found in previous studies. The comparison of physical condition classes of sole and plaice showed variable results with a tendency of lower damage for the pulse trawl.