Icelandic Fishing Gear Company At Fishing 2011

The technique of fishing just above the seabed is coming under renewed focus by skippers because the same or even better catch results can be achieved compared with traditional bottom trawling, whilst resistance and wear on the fishing gear is much less.

The new ‘Hercules’ trawl doors developed by Polar Fishing Gear is a low aspect version of it semi-pelagic ‘Mercury’ trawl doors suitable for bottom and ‘off the seabed’ fishing.

Atli Már Jósafatsson of Polar Fishing Gear said: “Trawl doors like the semi-pelagic series of Polar’s standard Mercury doors or the low aspect ratio version Hercules doors are ideal to obtain full spread of the gear without bottom contact.”

So far, two Scottish vessels – Marina Polaris and Carina – are using Mercury doors, as is the French vessel Bressay Bank and the Fuchsia from Capetown. Recently, the pioneering Vestmann Islands skipper, Birgir Sverrisson, has been using the doors on his fishing vessel, Vestmannaey.

“All of these vessels are improving their operation by using these doors and we are receiving repeat orders,” said Atli Már Jósafatsson.

David Moir, former north-east skipper and show manager for Fishing 2011, said: “We are delighted that such a prestigious company as Polar Fishing Gear has signed up to Fishing 2011.

“There is going to be a real emphasis at Fishing 2011 on fishing gear, which will be supported by our innovative interactive video display with the flume tank in Hirtshals, Denmark, which will enable skippers to troubleshoot on common issues associated with trawl equipment.

“Fishermen will be able to pre-request the type of gear or alteration they would like to see incorporated and then this will be viewed live in simulated real-life underwater conditions on the large video screen in the hall.”

Fishing 2011 will be staged from 24-26 March at the SECC in Glasgow