The project is getting a $ 1,8 million contribution from the Canadian Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF). The AIF funding was announced during a press conference at the Marine Institute in St. John’s, Newfoundland on Sunday, January 31st by Peter MacKay, the Canadian Minister of National Defence.
The objective with the project is to develop bottom trawls that will have a reduced seabed impact, while also maintaining economical sustainable catch levels.
In the coming years, it is expected that countries around the world will mandate the use of environmentally-friendly bottom trawls for the fishing industry. Participating in this project Vónin expects to develop bottom trawls, which will meet these requirements. Instead of just standing on the sideline Vónin has taken this oppurtunity and chosen to participate in this project, because as trawlmakers we have a responsibility to come up with new and better solutions, says managing director Hjalmar Petersen.
The research team for this project is put together by industrial engineers, benthic ecologists, fisheries researchers, fishing captains and fishing gear designers.
The project is expected to begin in April this year and will likely conclude in March 2015.
