How we harvest
Harvest Methods
Trawling is a highly effective commercial fishing method used to harvest a wide variety of groundfish species. This method involves towing a specially designed net (known as a trawl) behind a boat. The net is shaped like a cone, with wide at the opening and narrow at the closed end known as the codend. After the net is deployed, trawl doors are set out to spread the net and ensure it remains open throughout the “tow”. The net captures fish as they swim into it. In BC, there are two primary types of trawling, each targeting different species and operating at varying depths. To reduce the harvest of undersized fish, mesh size restrictions are enforced on the trawl nets. Today the trawlers are actively fishing on less than 6% of BC’s entire coast and fishing within the limits of the award winning trawl footprint. They also adjust to market demand, fish availability, and weather conditions, with sustainable practices and strict regulations guiding their operations. The BC Trawl Groundfish industry is a multi-species fishery, and it’s not uncommon to catch more than a dozen different species in a single tow. Annually, the fishery catches more than 100 different commercially sold species. There are various restrictions and management measurements in place to minimize bottom impacts and fish selectively and sustainably.
How it works
Midwater Trawling is a specialized method of fishing designed to target pelagic species, those that swim in the shallower water column rather than near the ocean floor. This technique involves towing a large net through the open water, with the net suspended above the seabed. The net is cone-shaped, featuring a wide opening at the front that narrows towards the rear. It is typically designed to remain at mid-water depths, allowing it to catch fish that reside in this zone.
Target Species
The species targeted by midwater trawling are often highly migratory and can travel through different depths of the water column. These include species such as hake, pollock, rockfish, cod and more! Once these schools are identified, the boat will deploy its trawl net at the optimal depth for the species being targeted. The trawl net is then towed behind the boat, which moves through the water, funneling the fish towards the net’s narrow end.
Depth
The experience of the skippers, coupled with the equipment. The skippers are able to identify the species for the most part by the way they look on the sounder and sonar. There are commonly known spots or “tows” that will be visited by the boats. A large determining factor for each individual species would be the time of day, tides and schedule of the moon.
How it works
Bottom trawling involves towing a cone-shaped net along the ocean floor to capture species of groundfish that live on or near the seafloor, such as various species of rockfish, sole, flounder, and others. The trawl net moves at a shallower depth above the seabed, where the fish are located. The design of the trawl nets varies, but they are generally built to specifically target the species desired, while minimizing the capture of non-target species. These nets often feature mesh sizes that allow undersized fish to swim through, further enhancing the sustainability of the method.
Target Species
Bottom trawling targets species that live on or near the seafloor, such as rockfish, flatfish (like sole and flounder), and Pacific cod. These species tend to be less migratory and are often found in specific habitats. Fishers use trawl nets designed to stay close to the ocean bottom, where they can efficiently harvest groundfish. The nets are towed along the seafloor, guiding fish toward the back of the net as the vessel moves forward.
Depth
To ensure responsible fishing practices, a comprehensive set of regulations and management measures are in place to minimize the impact of trawling on the seafloor. Trawl nets are equipped with bobbins, rollers, or rockhoppers on the ground gear, allowing the nets to roll over uneven terrain rather than drag directly along the bottom, reducing disturbance to marine habitats. In addition, sensitive ecosystems, including coral gardens, sponge reefs, and other vulnerable benthic habitats, are protected through strict area closures and gear restrictions. These safeguards help support the long-term health of the marine environment while allowing the continued harvest of sustainable seafood.
Finding Fish: A Balance of Experience and Technology
While modern trawl vessels are equipped with advanced sonar and sounders, much of the ability to find fish comes from the deep knowledge and experience of the skipper. In many cases, this knowledge is passed down through generations, one skipper mentoring the next, sharing insight on where, when, and how to fish.
Skippers often recognize species simply by how they appear on the sounder. Over time, they learn to interpret the shape, movement, and density of marks on the screen. There are also well-known fishing grounds and “tows” that vessels return to, guided by patterns that repeat across seasons and years.
Environmental factors play a major role as well, time of day, tides, and the moon’s phase all influence where fish will be and when they’ll move. The result is a fishery grounded in both tradition and innovation, where experience and real-time data work together to support responsible, effective fishing.
Modern Net Technology in BC’s Trawl Fishery
Today’s groundfish trawl fishery is equipped with advanced tools that give skippers real-time insights into what’s happening under the surface, allowing for precision, selectivity, and reduced environmental impact. It’s all part of the fishery’s commitment to reducing bycatch and protecting our marine ecosystems. Four main tools are used in modern day trawling to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
Catch
Sensors
Catch sensors are strategically placed in the net with pre-programmed weights that alert the vessel when those weights have been achieved.
Catch
Monitors
Catch monitors show the fish going into the net as you’re actively fishing. This is a way to see your catch and the species in the net.
Headline Sounder
Headline sounders are located on the top of the net to see the foot rope so the skipper can measure the “opening” of the net to make sure that it is placed properly to catch the school of fish. Also used to prevent contact with the sea floor.
Door
Sensors
Door sensors provide positioning of the doors as they are in the water to know depths and angles. Also used to prevent contact with the sea floor.
As a highly effective catch method, trawling is strictly monitored to ensure sustainability and careful management of fish stocks. All trawl vessels operate under a strict individual accountability framework, where every fish caught, retained or released, is tracked and reported. Vessels are subject to 100% at-sea monitoring, through electronic monitoring systems, as well as 100% dockside monitoring upon landing. These measures ensure that catch data is accurate and verified. Individual Vessel Quotas require harvesters to remain within their allocated limits for each species, and any overages must be balanced through quota transfers with other vessels. This system promotes compliance and ensures that the fishery operates within sustainable harvest levels. On top of that, the trawl vessels in BC are equipped with the necessary technology and crew to ensure high volumes of fish can be processed and delivered to the market. This ensures top quality of our catch.