Environmental Impact of Scallop Innovation Gear (EASIG) project
Easton, B.; Kaiser, M.J.; Hold, N.; Sciberras, M. (2025). Environmental Impact of Scallop Innovation Gear (EASIG) project. Heriot-Watt University: Edinburgh. 84 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.17861/emm8-tm57
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| Authors | | Top |
- Easton, B.
- Kaiser, M.J., more
- Hold, N.
- Sciberras, M.
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| Abstract |
The scallop sector is one of the UK’s valuable fisheries, supporting a network of catching and processing businesses. However, traditional dredging methods that use spring-loaded Newhaven scallop dredges to fish for king scallop (Pecten maximus) pose significant environmental challenges threatening the sustainability of the environment and the industry. Efforts are being made by the fishery to move towards a more sustainable fishing practice and towards net zero. The Environmental Assessment of Scallop Innovation Gear (EASIG) project is an industry and science led collaboration project that undertook rigorous testing of several modified scallop dredge gear with the aim of maintaining catch efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of the king scallop dredging activity. The modifications include using the N-virodredge instead of the traditional Newhaven dredge, which replaces the fixed metal teeth with individually sprung tines, and using a skid belly bag instead of the conventional belly bag to elevate belly bags off the ground thereby reducing drag and seabed contact. In total, three modified gear (N-virodredge with conventional belly bag (N-virodredge), N-virodredge with skid belly bag (Nviro-skid), Newhaven dredge with skid belly bag (Newhaven-skid)) were compared against the industry standard (Newhaven dredge with conventional belly bag). The innovation supports the UK's move towards sustainable fisheries and responds to the industry's ever-increasing need for sustainably sourced seafood. |
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