Trawling: The Pros and Cons of a Controversial Fishing Method

Trawling is a fishing method that involves dragging a large net, called a trawl, behind a boat to catch fish. The trawl is designed to scoop up fish and other sea creatures in its path, and it can be used to target a variety of species, including cod, haddock, and flounder.
Trawling is a common method of fishing in the North Atlantic, and it has been used for centuries to catch fish in the region. However, the method has also been criticized for its impact on the marine environment, as it can damage the seafloor and catch non-target species, such as endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale.
In recent years, there have been efforts to improve the sustainability of trawling, including the use of more selective nets and the implementation of fishing quotas to prevent overfishing. Additionally, some fisheries have shifted towards using more sustainable methods, such as bottom longlining or gillnetting, which can be less damaging to the environment.