GB-Lowestoft: Cefas TrawlLight SW

This is an exciting opportunity to test new light technology in the South West. This tender is seeking a twin-rig trawler with skipper who can demonstrate extensive knowledge and experience of the SW otter trawl fishery.

Recent Fisheries Science Partnership (FSP) projects have made considerable progress in improving the selectivity of otter trawls in the English SW fishery. Previous work has concentrated on increased mesh size, altered mesh geometry and escape panels, but new technologies now offer the potential to improve selectivity further.

Specifically, the use of artificial light in trawls is increasingly being tested to modify the behaviour of fish during the capture process, with some dramatic results in bycatch reduction. Building on the progress made in the TrawlLight scoping study in the North Sea (2015), artificial lights will be sourced and tested in a comparative gear trial in the South West of England, using modified trawl designs.

The aim will be to investigate the potential for artificial lights to improve selectivity, by reducing unwanted catches (e.g. quota limited species) whilst maintaining catches of other commercially important species (e.g. squid and cuttlefish). The trials will take place between August 2017 and December 2017.

The expected work is likely to involve 12 days of fishing under charter, possibly divided into two or more periods. For further information, please download the tender pack: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/9BS7D43Q27 Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.