Gear technology and processing in marine fisheries
Roger B. Larsen
About HARVEST
Our research group works directly with the industry and the fisheries management, and deal primarily with:
Selectivity and bycatch issues (with focus on the Arctic fisheries)
Experimental designs (on board research and commercial vessels)
Developing new models and data-analyses (i.e. novelty in statistics)
Testing of modified and new designs of fishing gears
Analyses of impact from processing and harvesting techniques on fish quality
Develop fishing technology that is more benign to the environment
Our vision is to build a research group with focus on Arctic fishing gear technology. We will first hand work with the Norwegian fisheries sector, but at the same time keep the publishing level high for outreach to the international fishing gear society. We are prepared for engaging in processes at an international and intersectoral level in order to gain external funding to UiT.
The members of HARVEST have broad international networks and we will utilize this competence for developing both new and enhanced research areas, supervision and education. Our members and partners holds a marked impact inside our research area in organizations like the ICES and FAO.
Our goal is to gradually increase the number of members of research group HARVEST and to allocate more MSc and PhD students with the aim of a high candidate production. We will be visual through published science inside our research area and we will utilize our research for good teaching and supervision.
NORWEGIAN: Om HARVEST
NORWEGIAN: Om HARVEST
FANGST (fangstmetodikk og prosessering i marint fiske)
Vår forskningsgruppe arbeider direkte med industrien og fiskeriforvaltningen, og vårt fokus er primært:
Seleksjon og bifangst med fokus på de nordlige (Arktiske) fiskeriene.
Utvikling av nye modeller og data-analyser (statistikk)
Eksperimentelle forsøksoppsett (om bord i forsknings- og ordinære fiskefartøyer)
Testing og tilpassing av eksistrende fangstmetoder
Utvikling og testing av ny metodikk innen fiske
Analyser av hvordan produksjonsprossser påvirker fiskeraåstoffets kvalitet
Dokumentasjon på fangstskader under fiske.
Vår visjon er å danne et markant forskningsmiljø med fokus på arktisk fiskeriteknologi. Vi vil i første rekke arbeide med teknologier som primært berører Norges fiskerinæring, men samtidig sørge for høy grad av publisering slik at alle resultater når det internasjonale fiskeriteknologi-miljøet. Vi er forberedt til å tre inn i internasjonale prosesser og konstellasjoner for å skaffe friske forskningsmidler til UIT.
Forskningsgruppens medlemmer har et bredt internasjonalt kontaktnett og vi vil utnytte denne kompetansen til både å skape nye og videreutvikle forskningområder, undervisning og utdanning. Våre medlemmer og partnere har et betydelig avtrykk innenfor vårt felt i organisasjoner som ICES og FAO.
Vår målsetting er å gradvis øke antall medlemmer i forskningsgruppen FANGST og få inn flere MSc og PhD kandidater, med mål om stor kandidatproduksjon. Vi skal være sentral og markant med hensyn til publisert forskning innenfor vårt fagfelt og vi skal utnytte vår forskning til å bygge god undervisning.
Most of my time is dedicated to various areas inside capture techniques of marine fisheries, i.e. to utilize revealing challenges and possibities. My work has been focused on the development of "responsible fishing practices" for the benefit for fishers worldwide. The span inside this would be modeltesting to full scale trials in commercial fisheries. I've worked especially on trawl systems and longlines, but also with Danish seines, gillnets, pots and zooplankton trawl harvest (in commercial scale).
My experiences are mainly from fisheries along the Norwegian coast and the Barents Sea/along Spitzbergen. I've also had the opportunity to work with fishing gear trials outside Mocambique, Australia (NSW, SA, TAS), East Greenland, Alaska (the Bering Sea), Viet Nam and in the Bay of Biscay.
Bottom trawl fisheries have great social and economic importance for coastal communities in the Basque Country. However, the activity of the demersal trawl fishery in the Bay of Biscay, which includes the coastline of the Basque country, can be compromised due to its multispecies nature, high proportion of unwanted species in the catch, and the increasingly strict legislation implemented aiming to ensure sustainable fisheries. In this scenario, developing gear modifications to reduce unwanted bycatch is increasingly important. This thesis presents results from six selectivity research papers that address unwanted catch issues in the Bay of Biscay bottom trawl fishery.
Hake (Merluccius merluccius), horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), and mackerel (Scomber scombrus) are some of the most relevant species for the bottom trawl fishery in the Bay of Biscay and constitute the main choke species in the fishery. Papers I and II present selectivity results for different square mesh panel (SMP) designs aimed to improve fish-SMP contact probability and release efficiency for these species. Among the designs tested, the results demonstrate that modifying SMP size and position can increase fish contact probability with the SMP. Paper III investigates the size selection process through SMP and codend meshes for blue whiting based on fish morphology and behavior. The results demonstrate that SMP size selection can be explained by different fish contact angles with SMP meshes, which allows making accurate predictions for fish size selectivity. Paper IV explores the effect of alternative SMP and codend mesh combinations on the size selectivity of hake and blue whiting and on the fishery exploitation pattern for a variety of fish population scenarios. The results demonstrate that changes both in SMP and, especially, codend designs can have a significant effect on the size selectivity and exploitation patterns of hake and blue whiting. This paper also outlines new ways for investigating and illustrating the effect of multiple gear changes on the size selectivity and exploitation pattern indicators by means of diagrams named treatment trees. These may aid in the identification of promising gear designs and help the industry in the pursuit of specific catch goals. In Paper V a trawl configuration for species separation is tested. This new configuration intends to guide those species that hold themselves close to the lower panel of the trawl through a horizontal grid into a lower codend, while the rest of the species are directed to an upper codend. The findings in Paper V demonstrate that, under the conditions in which this fishery operates, the trawl configuration tested is not able to efficiently separate species based on their behavior. Finally, in Paper VI the effect of shortening codend lastridge ropes on codend size selectivity compared to a standard codend is tested, and fish escape chances estimated based on fish morphology. The results show that a codend with shortened lastridge ropes can improve the size selectivity of horse mackerel and blue whiting, while the selectivity of hake was not affected. The results indicate species-dependent variability in the ability to utilize open meshes located at different places.
In general, the work presented in this thesis provides technological advances and knowledge that contributes with guidance on how to reduce unwanted bycatch and generate alternative exploitation patterns in the Bay of Biscay demersal trawl fishery.
SFI Harvest Technologies for sustainable biomarine value creation ledes av SINTEF Ocean AS. Vår forskningsgruppen deltar sammen med AMB i to av arbeidspakkene. Vår forskningsgruppe skal arbeide primært mot fangst av mesopelagiske ressurser. SFI Harvest skal forske på bærekraftig utnyttelse av marine ressurser lavt i næringskjeden. Teknologiinnovasjonene i SFI Harvest vil gjøre det mulig å produsere mat for verdens voksende befolkning av hittil lite utnyttede arter i havet.
We can provide supervision for MSc-students within topics that include marine fishery. In order to collect data for the MSc-thesis it is an advantage if students can participate on research cruises onboard research vessels and/or commercial fishing vessels. It is also an advantage but not a requirement if candidates have experience from fishing. It is mandatory that students take the safety course at sea which is given each semester at UiT in order to participate on cruises. It is possible to choose interdisciplinary topics linked to ecology, fisheries biology, bio-economics and food safety.
Topics that are relevant for an MSc-thesis:
Catch efficiency for various types of fishing methods
Selectivity in fishing gear
Catch quality
New methods for catching marine resources
Methods for reducing unwanted by-catch
The use and development of bio-degradable materials in fishing gir
Methods for improving fish welfare
Analyzation of existing data
We cooperate with and perform assignments on behalf of the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries and fishing industry. The experiments are funded by the Norwegian Research Council, Norwegian Seafood Research Fund (FHF), Regional Research Fund (RFF) and own funding. As an MSc-student it is not possible to receive any salary when collecting data for the thesis, however, data collection will neither cause any expenses.
Our national and international collaborators (see associated members) can offer exchange/collaboration outside UiT. As a MSc-student it is possible to arrange an exchange-semester at one of our collaborating institutes. Some of these institutes can offer collection of data and/or relevant courses.
Students should have an idea on which topic they find interesting. However, if requested we can help finding and designing a relevant topic for a thesis. We request students to write a short motivation letter describing their interest for a chosen topic and this field of research before signing a contract for supervision.
Vi tilbyr veiledning til studenter på MSc nivå innen tema der marint fiske er inkludert. Det er er fordel om studenten kan delta på forskningstokt på forskningsfartøy og/eller fiskefartøy for å samle inn sine egen data. Det er ingen krav (men en klar fordel) om erfaring fra fiskeriene, men som masterstudent må du ha godkjent sikkerhetskurs som gis ved UiT. Det er fullt mulig – og noen gang ønskelig – at studiene kobles opp mot andre fagområder som økologi, fiskeribiologi, forvaltning, bioøkonomi, matevaresikkerhet og annet.
Tema som kan være aktuelt å gjøre vitenskapelig dokumentasjon på:
Fangsteffektivitet med alle type redskaper
Seleksjonsegenskaper til ulike fangstmetoder
Kvalitet og prisfremmende teknologi
Nye metoder og modifiserte teknikker for fangst
Reduksjon av uønsket bifangst
Bruk av bio-nedbrytbare materialer
Teknikker for etisk fangst
Analyser av eksistrende data
Vi samarbeider tett med forvaltningen og ulike næringsaktører for å utføre ulike oppdrag på vegne av blant andre Fiskeridirektoratet og forskjellige typer fiskeri. Forsøkene er finansiert av Norges forskningsråd, Fiskeri- og havbruksnæringens forskningsfond, regionale forskningsfond og via egenfinansiering. Som masterstudent kan du ikke motta direkte lønn for innsamling av data til egen oppgave, men du vil heller ikke ha noen utgifter i oppdrag som er laget av forskningsgruppen.
Våre nasjonale og internasjonale samarbeidspartnere (se assosierte medlemmer) kan også tilby muligheten til å delta i arbeider utafor UiT’s domene. Dersom du som masterstudent ønsker å ta et semester ved en utenlandsk institusjon, så er det fullt mulig å koble datainnsamling og analyser opp mot disse institusjonene. Noen av vår samarbeidspartnere kan også tilby relevante kurs.
Studentene bør ha en oppfatning av hvilket tema som passer beste for henne/han, men vi hjelper gjerne til med å forme tema og oppsett for en oppgave. Vi ønsker at studenter lager et motivasjonsbrev (1-2 sider) for å beskrive sin interesse for fagområde og hensikt med å velge vår forskningsgruppe før vi signerer veiledningskontrakt.
Some of the former PhD and MSc students (with main supervisor RB Larsen) on programmes Master of Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and Master of International Fisheries Management:
1) Hermann Pettersen, 2020. A catch comparison study on different codend designs to evaluate bycatch reduction in the North-East Atlantic deep-water shrimp (Pandalus borealis) fishery. MSc thesis, UIT.
2) Anette Walle, 2020. Atferdsreaksjoner hos Atlantisk torsk (Gadus morhua) som følge av seismikkskyting. MSc thesis, UiT.
3) Viktoriia Kuz, 2020. Labour in fisheries: Task analysis of fishing operations on a Norwegian trawler. MSc thesis, UiT.
4) Nadine L. Jacques, 2018:Modelling the bycatch reduction of a shrimp trawl with a combined Nordmøre grid and sieve panel configuration in the north east Atlantic deep-water shrimp (Pandalus borealis) fishery. MSc thesis, UIT. [PDF: MSc thesis Nadine Jacques 2018 (Shrimp trawl, selectivity)]
6) Md Moniruzzam Khan, 2018. Suggested ways for improving the management of the Bay of Bengal shrimp trawl fisheries: A literature study on challenges and bycatch mitigation in shrimp trawl fisheries around the world and examples on how it is implemented in the management regimes in various nations. MSc thesis, UIT.’
8) Tomas Araya Schmidt, 2017. Developing a profitable, sustainable, and effecient snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery in the Barents Sea. MSc thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s. (Med-veileder).
9) Peter Starbatty, 2016. Gear selectivity and bycatch reduction in the Norwegian Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) fishery. A study on seize-selective performances of different escape openings. MSc thesis, UIT. [PDF: MSc thesis Peter Starbatty 2016 (Effect of escape vents in Kingcrab pots)]
11) Jesse M. Brinkhof, 2015.A study on the escape rate of Northeast Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) under the fishing line with two different ground ropes in the Barents Sea bottom trawl fishery - and the influence of some biotic and abiotic factors on the efficiency during bottom trawling. MSc thesis, UIT. [PDF: MSc thesis Jesse Brinkhof 2015 (Bottomtrawl, groundrope, cod, haddock)]
12) Torgeir Norheim, 2015. Dypvannsrunddorg – Potensial for effektivt nytt redskap for den norske kystflåten. MSc thesis, UIT.
14) Ixai Salvo Borda, 2014. Approach to the 2014 discard ban in the EU Common Fisheries Policy and trials with bycatch reducing trawl techniques. MSc thesis, UIT.
16) Ermis Angelogiannos, 2013. Description of the demersal trawl fishery in Greece, with a focus on codend selectivity and current regulations. MSc thesis, UIT.
17) Iñigo Onandia Calvo, 2012.Juvenile hake (Merluccius merluccius) discard minimization in otter board trawling by square mesh escaping window selectivity device : proving a mandatory selectivity device in the Basque trawling fleet. MSc thesis, UIT.
18) Shuai Zhu, 2009. Estimation Methodology used to quantify selection characteristics and examples of implementing technical measures for improving fisheries management on trawl fishery. MSc thesis, UIT.
19) Trond Larsen, 2009. Slepemotstand, effektivitet og fangstsammensetning i fiske med trål tilpasset dyreplankton. Forsøk i små skala.MSc thesis, UIT.
20) Ivan Tatone, 2008. Norwegian hook designs improve catch efficiency in the Adriatic bottom longline fishery. MSc thesis, UIT.
21) Henrik Jeuthe, 2008.Use of bubble floatation to improve copepod fisheries: Laboratory studies on the physical and behavioural interactions of Calanus finmarchicus and air bubbles. MSc thesis, UIT.
22) Clarence O.G. Colindres, 2006. Description and analysis of the white shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti) fisheries in Pearl Lagoon, Atlantic coast of Nicaragua, with focus on the gear selectivity in the artesanal fleets. MSc thesis, UIT.
23) Lasse Rindahl, 2006. Kvalitetsfremmende kystlineteknologi – viktig bidrag til økt verdiskapning og leveringsstabilitet I fiskeriavhengige kystsamfunn?Fiskerikandidatoppgave, UIT.
24) Joakim Martinsen, 2006. Torsk og sild på samme kjøl – en studie av den store kystflåtens driftstilpasning. Fiskerikandidatoppgave, UIT.
25) Manu Sistiaga Berrondo, 2004. Efficiency and selectivity of pair trawlers and stern trawlers; a case study of the Barents Sea cod. MSc thesis, UIT.
26) Robert Jeremiah Kayanda, 2004. Gillnet selectivity: A case study of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) fishery in Lake Victoria, Tanzania. MSc thesis, UIT.
27) Stein E. Eilertsen, 2004. Fiske med havteiner – et alternativ til garn. Fiskerikandidatoppgave, UIT.
28) Jørgen Vollstad, 2003.Artsselektivt fiske med snurrevad. Fiskerikandidatoppgave, UIT.
29) Eduardo Grimaldo, 2002. Experiments with by-catch sorting devices in deep water shrimp trawls. MSc thesis, UIT.
30) Tomas Sagen, 2001. Selektivt reketrålfiske med skillerist av plast. Fiskerikandidatoppgave, UIT.
31) Erlend Maurstad, 1997. Selektivt fiske etter dypvannsreker (Pandalus borealis). Etablert teknologi vurdert opp mot ny type skillerist. Fiskerikandidatoppgave, UIT.
32) Sverre Hansen, 1996.Miljøtilpasset ledegarn for kilenot etter laks. Fiskerikandidatoppgave, UIT.
33) Bernt Bertelsen, 1994. Bestandsutvikling og bestandsstruktur hos rognkjeks og rognkall (Cyclopterus lumpus) i Sifjorden i Troms, og maskeseleksjon og fangsteffektivitet ved garn- og rusefiske etter arten. Fiskerikandidatoppgave, UIT.
34) Joel Kristjansson, 1993.Tilgjengelighet og vertikalfordeling av reke (Pandalus borealis) 0-8 m over bunn. Fiskerikandidatoppgave, UIT.
35) Jon Einar Marteinsson, 1991. Skader på fisk som sorteres ut i fiske med bunntrål. Fiskerikandidat-oppgave, UIT.
36) Halvard Godøy, 1988. Garnfiske med agn. Studie på en begrenset fjordlokalitet. Fiskerikandidat-oppgave, UIT.
