Pulse fishing and its effects on the marine ecosystem fisheries: an update of the scientific knowledge

This report summarises the knowledge on the effects of pulse trawls used in the North Sea fishery for flatfish and brown shrimp. The report describes the electrical characteristics of the pulse trawl systems currently used (potential difference over electrode pairs, pulse frequency, pulse width, duty cycle and dimensions of the gear). The shrimp pulse applies a low frequency pulse that invokes a startle response (tailflip) in shrimps. The sole pulse applies a higher frequency that invokes a cramp response that immobilise the fish species facilitating the catching process.