New Device for Bottom Trawling Protects the Seabed and Increases Catch Efficiency

Mørenot Fishery proudly unveils the Injector Flow Gear, a groundbreaking tool for bottom trawling that minimizes seabed damage while boosting catch efficiency.

The footprint left by bottom trawling is a significant challenge for the industry.

Unlike traditional Rockhopper equipment, this innovative gear allows the trawl to glide over obstacles, reducing disruption to the seabed and enhancing fish capture.

—  We hope and believe that the Injector Flow Gear will set a new standard for bottom trawling and are looking forward to showing it to the entire fisheries industry during this year’s Nor-Fishing, says Tore Ringstad, trawl sales manager at Mørenot Fishery.

Rather than «paving the way» like a car with the handbrake on, the Injector Flow Gear ensures that the trawl is lifted and «floats» over obstacles like a carpet. The oval shape also controls the water flow, ensuring fewer fish swimming under an outside the net.

— In other words, the gear ensures larger, more flexible and less destructive catching.

Nominee for the Innovation Award 2024

For the development of the Injector Flow Gear, Mørenot Fishery AS has been nominated for the Innovation Award, which is awarded during Nor-Fishing 2024.

— The attention that comes with the nomination is very flattering, in addition to the fact that it motivates us to continue developing Injector Flow Gear to become even better.

Easier to Handle and Less Fuel Consumption

Compared to traditional vulcanized rubber Rockhopper gear (often made from old car tires), the Injector Flow Gear is made from HDPE plastic,a lightweight, durable material that is easier and cheaper to recycle.

— The material weighs less and ensures that the trawl is easier to handle for the fishermen on deck. It creates less resistance and friction, making it easier for the trawl to pull after the boat. As a result, the boat uses less fuel, explains Tore.

Good Feedback from Fishermen

The development of the tool already started in 2012; then as part of a research project in collaboration with SINTEF, UiT and Rolls-Royce Marine.

— Increased demand from fishermen made us resume development of the gear a few years ago. By using data from the research project, together with SINTEF Fisheries and Aquaculture, we have tested the product in a tank and several of our customers have started to use it at sea, says Tore.

And the feedback from the fishermen so far?

— Several customers have reported previous challenges where the bottom trawl gets stuck in certain places. Since adopting the Injector Flow Gear, they have not experienced getting stuck at all, says Tore, adding:

—  An Icelandic customer has reported a fuel saving of up to 20 percent when using the Injector Flow Gear. This will probably vary greatly from boat to boat, but it shows a clear saving when using lighter equipment.

Great Interest and Demand

Mørenot Fishery is currently experiencing great interest in the product from around the world; including New Zealand, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, China, the USA and Greenland.

— The nomination for the Innovation Award will probably increase interest and demand even further, concludes Tore.

Visit Mørenot Fishery AS and take a closer look at Injector Flow Gear at stand A-102 (hall A) during Nor-Fishing 2024!

The winner of the Innovation Award will be announced during the opening ceremony of Nor-Fishing 2024, Tuesday 20th of August at 11:30 AM-12:20 PM in the Mendelsohn conference hall, Trondheim Spektrum.