Otterboard Performance and Behaviour

Summary

Purpose of this Manual The Sea Fish Industry Authority (U.K.), IFREMER (France) and DIFTA (Denmark) have collaborated on an EC funded project to assess the performance of a wide range of otterboards which are currently available to fishermen. This manual is based on the results of this project. It is intended for those actively involved in fishing, although much of it will interest persons active in the gear technology field. This manual has the following objectives:- To define terminology and explain the technical operation of otterboards. To provide information on the methods used and the results obtained during the otterboard tests. To provide information for calculating the equivalent sizes of different types of otterboard to give a trawl the same spread. To assist in solving common rigging faults and otterboard problems. To provide guidance on the possibilities of saving fuel.

Publication date

01 January 1993