Fishing trawler sea

Fishing trawler: an industrial vessel that drags nets through the sea, catching large volumes of fish like cod and shrimp.

About this subject

Fishing trawlers are vessels designed to drag trawl nets through the sea, either along the seabed or in midwater. This technique, known as trawling, accounts for about 25% of global fish catch and is widely used for cod in the North Atlantic, shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico, and sardines off the Brazilian coast. There are two main types: bottom trawling, which can impact benthic ecosystems, and midwater trawling, used for pelagic species like tuna and mackerel.

Modern trawlers are equipped with sonar and GPS to locate schools, plus powerful winches to haul nets that can be hundreds of meters long. Carrying capacities range from small artisanal boats to large factory ships that process the catch onboard. In Brazil, the trawler fleet mainly operates in the South and Southeast regions, with key ports in Santos (SP), Itajaí (SC), and Rio Grande (RS).

The sustainability of trawling is debated. It provides jobs and food, but bycatch of endangered species and seabed damage worry environmental agencies. Measures such as turtle excluder devices and larger mesh sizes help reduce impacts. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) monitors global trawl fisheries, encouraging more selective practices and certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

In extreme close-up, details like net fibers, metal rings, and steel cables reveal the engineering behind this ancient yet modern activity. Each knot and splice tells a story of technological adaptation and pressure on the oceans, connecting the fisher to the consumer's table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fishing trawler?

It is a vessel that drags a trawl net through the water to catch fish and other aquatic organisms on a large scale.

What is the difference between bottom trawling and midwater trawling?

Bottom trawling operates near the seabed, potentially harming benthic ecosystems. Midwater trawling stays in the water column, targeting pelagic species like tuna and mackerel.

Is trawling sustainable?

It depends on practices. With turtle excluder devices, selective mesh, and exclusion zones, impacts can be reduced. Certifications like MSC indicate more responsible operations.