Demersal or bottom trawls

Demersal or bottom trawling covers several gear types, all of which use a cone-like net with a closed end (cod-end) that holds the catch. These nets are towed by one or two boats and are designed to catch fish living at great depths or on the bottom of the sea.

While demersal trawling often interacts with the seabed, modifications and careful management of fishing operations can reduce environmental impacts and increase sustainability.

MSC certified trawl fisheries have made many improvements to their practices. These include monitoring and mapping fishing areas, avoiding fishing in known sensitive or protected habitats, and banning bottom trawling during the spawning season. Gear modifications, such as rock hoppers (balls or discs, often rubber), can also reduce the amount of contact between the net and the seabed.