KD-2018-026 Pulsvisserij, inventarisatie aanvullende kennisagenda (BO-43-023.02-014)

The Netherlands is looking for more sustainable methods for catching flatfish and brown shrimp and in this context fishers are experimenting with pulse fishing. This fishing method does not use tickler chains to startle flatfish and shrimp from the seabed, but instead uses electrical pulses. Fishers who use the pulse gear are currently fishing based on a derogation. As part of the decision-making process on whether or not to allow pulse fisheries, the impacts of the gear on the ecosystem will have to be investigated. To this end, a multi-annual international research programme is currently taking place. Every year, the intermediate results of this impact study are shared with national and international stakeholders. In the run-up to the European decision-making process on the possible lift of the derogation (within the reform of the Technical Measures Regulation) stakeholders have reiterated existing concerns and expressed new concerns about the potential impact of pulse fishing. The objectives of this project are to make an inventory of these questions and develop an additional knowledge agenda, including options to further international research cooperation.