local & international work
increasing Insight of gear technology Danish Flume Tank visit with Seafish supports NIFCA’s decision to continue innovative gear trials
NIFCA Lead Environmental Officer, Alex Aitken, recently joined a UK delegation on a visit to the renowned Hirtshals Flume Tank, organised by Seafish. Located on the edge of Hirtshals Harbour in Denmark, the North Sea Flume Tank is the largest wave and current tank in Europe. The visit brought together fourteen representatives from across the seafood sector to explore how fishing gear design can improve sustainability and performance. The flume tank offers a unique, controlled setting where model trawl gear can be tested, allowing participants to see exactly how nets and components behave underwater.
Through demonstrations and discussion, the group looked at ways to reduce bycatch, protect seabed habitats, and improve fuel efficiency. Small adjustments to gear design and rigging were shown to make a significant difference to both environmental impact and fishing efficiency. The findings closely align with NIFCA’s own ongoing gear trials of semi-pelagic trawl doors which have shown promising results, including reduced seabed contact, lower flatfish bycatch, and estimated fuel savings of 10–20%. These early results have reinforced NIFCA’s decision to continue working with local fishers to trial innovative gear designs. We ask any trawl fishers interested in testing this fully funded gear to get in touch.
Lead Environmental Officer Alex Aitken says: “The flume tank provides a unique environment where you can clearly see how small changes in design or rigging affect performance, selectivity and environmental impact. That insight is invaluable for informing decision-making across policy, supply chains and sustainability initiatives.”
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