Efficiency of fishing gear in extensive mussel culture
Dredging is the only method available for harvesting mussels in extensive bottom culture. A study on dredge efficiency in oyster fishery showed that dredge efficiency is low. In mussel culture dredges are adjusted according to the circumstances. An increase in dredge efficiency will reduces the numbers of tows required to catch the harvest limit, reduces costs, and reduce localized biological and ecological effects. Dredge designs to increase efficiency need to be able to cope with a range substrate compositions and topography, different types and volumes of bycatch, a range of current speeds and sea conditions. We want you to quantify and visualize mussel dredge performance, by means of underwater video cameras. This will result in recommendations, on how to improve dredging efficiency.
When improvements are likely and if time allows, new designs can be tested. Furthermore, similar questions apply to other types of gear used in mussel culture e.g. dredges to remove starfish from mussel plots.
Research type: field work (on mussel vessels), video analysis, technical improvements on dredges
Research level: minor/internship/final thesis (BSc. level)
Perquisite: Driver license, technical skills, dedicated, creative
Partners: Several major Mussel farmers, Centre of Expertise Delta Technology
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Eva Hartog & Jacob Capelle)