The implementation of the landing obligations is a major challenge for the Belgian fleet since they practice mainly a mixed fishery. To assist our fishermen in this transition, the project ‘COMBITUIG’ aims at the development and refinement of new and existing technical innovations to reduce the bycatch, especially of the so called choke-species. This will be done either by preventing bycatch species to enter the net by making use of light or mechanical stimuli either by improving the selectivity of the net by making use of a ‘combi’nation of panels, different netmaterials and mesh sizes. Both approaches will be tested and optimized on board of commercial fishing vessels and research vessels. Additionally, the project wants to improve participation of the fishers by regular discussion and feedback moments with fishermen and the Rederscentrale.
