Trials Of Two-Boat Bottom Trawling In Bangladesh - BOBP/WP/13

Abstract

This document describes the rationale, mechanics and findings of experiments with two-boat bottom trawis in Bangladesh. The experiments were carried out between October 1980 and March 1981 near Chittagong in cooperation with the Swedish Free Mission and the Kalidaha Fishing Project of CAR ITAS. The trials yielded the conclusion that while trawling with two-boat high-opening trawis for the capture of demersal and semi-pelagic resources is technically feasible, its commercial viability is sti ll to be ascertained. It is recommended that the trials should be continued during next winter over a wider geographical area. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh, participated in the two-boat trawl project as a cooperating agency. The two-boat bottom trawl experiments are an activity of the Programme for the Development of Small-Scale Fisheries in the Bay of Bengal, referred to in brief as the Bay of Bengal Programme. This is a regional FAO programme that seeks to develop and demonstrate appropriate technologies and methodologies in many areas of small-scale fisheries-such as craft, gear, fishing methods and utilisation and coastal aquaculture. The programme’s goals are to improve the conditions of small-scale fisherfolk and the supply of fish from the small-scale sector in five countries that border the Bay of Bengal — Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.