Project 50 Per Cent_Cefas trials to reduce discards among Devon beam trawlers

Summary

Discarding is an important issue for the fishing industry. We need to find ways to reduce discard levels if we are to keep fish stocks in tact for future generations and develop a sustainable fishing industry. The aim of Project 50 Per Cent is to halve the level of discards from Devon beam trawlers. Beam trawler crews from Brixham and Plymouth have volunteered to work with Cefas over the coming months to experiment with changes to nets, designed to reduce discards. The changes may also help to increase profits by reducing chafing of fish giving higher market prices and reducing fuel consumption.

Publication date

01 July 2009