trawling

Trawling is a fishing method that uses a large, cone-shaped net called a trawl, which is dragged through the water or along the seafloor to catch fish. Various types of trawlers exist, including side trawlers, outrigger trawlers, and stern trawlers, which differ in how they deploy and haul their nets. Modern trawlers are powerful vessels, sometimes described as floating factories, capable of cleaning and freezing their catch at sea.12

Bottom trawling, in particular, involves dragging heavy gear along the seafloor, which can cause significant damage to marine ecosystems. This method disturbs large areas of the ocean floor annually, impacting bottom-dwelling species like corals, sponges, and various invertebrates. This method is a major concern for marine conservation due to its destructive effects on sensitive habitats.3