A fishing gear to improve fishing selectivity

The ‘FloMo’ is a Dutch variation on an innovative precision seafood harvesting concept from New Zealand, which aims to improve selectivity and increase the discards’ survival rates. This can be achieved by replacing the tunnel and cod-end of the net with a ‘Modular Harvesting System’ (MHS), better known as a ‘kiwi cod-end’ in the Netherlands. The kiwi cod-end is a membrane-like tube of canvas with escape holes. Under water, the kiwi cod-end opens from water pressure and creates an environment where current speed gradually decreases until water in the rear part is completely still. This creates a non-turbulent environment in which the fish are much less exhausted and less damaged during the catch process.