Enersenne Assessing the energy efficiency of the Danish seine fishing technique

Increased fuel prices are having a knock-on effect on the economic activity of trawler fishing businesses which must now look for energy-saving solutions. The original 'Danish' or 'Scottish' seining technique* has been enjoying renewed interest: low on energy consumption, this traditional technique results in better quality catches than bottom-trawl methods.

The aim of the ÉNERSENNE project is to optimise Danish seining energy consumption by assessing the fuel used in each stage of this fishing technique: course to fishing ground, setting nets, means of propulsion and hauling. Sea trials will be carried on a professional fishing boat using a Danish seine. Sensors recording fuel consumption will gauge the energy efficiency of each phase of a seine trawl. A range of energy-saving scenarios will be tested out.

Assessing the efficiency of the Danish seine requires suitably adapted methods, notably the use of econometers, numerical modelling for evaluating pliable marine structures and in-depth studies of the propulsion system.

Some ten vessels operating out of Concarneau, Les Sables d'Olonne and Boulogne-sur-Mer are currently pioneering this fishing activity in France.

*Danish seines are nets which form two wings, a body and a bag. Manoeuvred from a boat, this fishing gear is generally used on the seabed where it is hauled by two long drag lines or warps, in such a way as to ensure the maximum number of fish is driven towards the net's mouth.