Framework
Bottom trawls are medium or large trawl gears, always towed by a vessel that moves over the bottom and is in contact with it. Bottom trawls may be of beams or boards.
Description
Beam trawl is characterized by being a medium-sized trawl in which the wingless mouth is kept open by the action of one or two horizontal beams and rigid lateral structures (in the case of 'skates').
Features
Max. beam dimension: 7 m.
Max. skates height or vertical opening of the net: 0, 65 m.
Max. thickness of single and multi-stranded wire: 6 and 12 mm respectively.
Mesh ranges
20 to 31 mm for shrimps (Pandalus and Palaemon) and Henslow’s swimming crab.
32-54 mm for shrimps (Pandalus, Palaemon and Crangon) and Henslow’s swimming crab.
Target species
Henslow’s swimming crab and Common prawn, and in the case of mesh size 32 mm to 54 mm Common shrimp, with 50% of target species.
Area of action
It is allowed between Caminha and Figueira da Foz.
In the areas between the mouth of the Rio Minho and the south bank of the Neiva River, and between the south bank of the Mira lagoon and Pedrógão, the beam trawl may operate between the shoreline to a maximum distance of 1.5 miles.
In the area between the south bank of the Neiva River and the south bank of the Mira Lagoon, it can operate between the shoreline and a maximum distance of 3.5 miles.
Other constraints
It is prohibited fishing with beam trawl in June (mesh size 32-54 mm) and between April and September (mesh size 20-31 mm). Only vessels registered in the Captaincies of from Caminha to Figueira da Foz may be licensed.
Only vessels which do not cumulatively have a license for traps for the capture of Common prawn or "sombreira" (Portuguese artisanal gear) may be licensed for beam trawl fishing. During the same fishing trip vessels licensed to capture Henslow’s swimming crab and Common prawn may not use or carry any other fishing gear on board.
The maximum engine power of the vessels using beam trawl gear is 56 kW, except for vessels which were licensed in 2000 for the use of shrimp nets or Henslow’s swimming crab which, although having higher power, were already being licensed, However, no further increase in engine power is allowed for these vessels.
Images
By courtesy of Marine Stewardship Council
Legislation
| National legislation | |
| Ordinance No 349/2013 of 29 November republishes the Ordinance No 1102-E/2000 of 22 November | Ordinance No 349/2013 |
| Ordinance No 1102-E/2000 of 22 November approving Trawl Fishing Regulation | Ordinance No 1102-E/2000 |
| EU Legislation | |
| Commission Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 of 8 April 2011 laying down rules for trawls devices - consolidated version | Commission Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 |
