Bottom Trolling in Fishing

Definition

• Bottom troll: A type of fishing net pulled along the sea floor.

Target Species

• Commonly used to catch:
  • Shrimp
  • Bottom-dwelling fish (e.g., halibut, sole)

Bycatch Issues

• Nets catch a variety of ocean life, which is usually:
  • Thrown back
  • Often dead or dying

Environmental Impact

• Damage to sea floor habitat:
  • Dragging heavy gear causes destruction.
  • Affects sensitive seafloor ecosystems.

Mitigation Strategies

• Modify fishing gear to reduce harmful effects.
• Limit areas where trolling is allowed to protect:
  • Sensitive bottom-dwelling organisms
  • Their habitats

These notes summarize the key points regarding bottom trolling, its target species, bycatch issues, environmental impacts, and strategies for mitigation.