THE WORKSHOP
The workshop will be conducted at the Flume Tank at the Center for Sustainable Aquatic Resources of
the Fisheries and Marine Institute of the Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. The workshop
will be five days in length with practical demonstrations, lectures and discussions of trawls relevant to
the Northeast USA groundfish fisheries. Total duration of the event including travel will be seven days.
Airfare, hotel accommodation and workshop tuition for fishing industry participants will be covered
by the project. Participants will be responsible for meals, local travel and personal expenses. The
workshop will be offered during Sept. 25-29, 2012 (Sept. 24-30 including travel). Space is limited to a
maximum of fifteen industry participants. One fisherman from each groundfish trawl sector and one
from the common pool will be offered to attend if applied. Participants must have a valid passport for
entry into Canada.
THE FACILITY
The Center for Sustainable Aquatic Resources of Fisheries and Marine Institute of the Memorial
University of Newfoundland offers unique benefits.
 The largest fisheries flume tank in the world. The observation section allows fishermen to
observe performance and behavior of a range of fishing gears and provide an opportunity for a
more thorough visualization of the action of fishing gear under simulated conditions.
 Knowledgeable staff. Resident fishery engineers, technologists, fish behaviorists, and
mechanical engineering technologists provide insight, instruction and assistance.
THE GOALS
The five-day workshop is designed to accomplish the following:
 Increase knowledge and awareness of conservation-oriented trawl gear designs.
 Provide a forum where conservation technology and management practices can be
demonstrated and discussed.
 Improve working relationships between fishermen, fisheries managers and scientists.
 Stimulate new ideas for cooperative research.
PROVISIONAL WORKSHOP PROGRAM
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Discussion/lecture: Fisheries of Newfoundland and New England
Discussion/demonstration: Dynamics of a trawl system as seen in the flume tank and its
implication in real fishing conditions
Discussion/demonstration: Trawl gear components and their roles in bycatch reduction and
responsible fishing
Discussion/demonstration: Trawl gear and fuel consumption
Discussion/demonstration: Model trawls and selectivity devices in the flume tank
Discussion/lecture: Survey trawl - quality control and operation
Discussion/lecture: Fish behaviour and its application in bycatch reduction
Discussion: Cooperative research in Northeastern US
Other topics or demonstration items suggested by participants may also be covered.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Any active commercial trawl fisherman who:
 Is a member of a Northeast Groundfish Sector or Common Pool
 Uses trawling as primary mode of fishing
 Has not attended previous similar workshops at the flume tank
 Fishes on fishing grounds off Northeast USA
 Has interest in increasing knowledge in trawl operation, conservation and fuel consumption
 Has interests in implementing conservation-oriented fishing gears and operations
HOW TO APPLY
Fill in the attached application form, and return it by
mail or email to the address on the right before July 13,
2012.
Space is limited to a maximum of fifteen industry
participants. A panel of GEARNET members will make
selections, considering sector affiliation, geographic
location and balance of inshore/offshore sectors.
Industry group/ association representatives may also
be considered.
Application Form
Flume Tank Workshop, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, Sept. 24-30, 2012
Application Deadline: July 13, 2012
Name: ___________________ Name exactly as shown in passport (PRINT): ______________________
Sector ________________ (Common pool ____) Home port: _____________________
Vessel/Company: ______________________ (check) Owner ____ Skipper ____ Crew _____
Vessel size (length) _____________
Species: (check) Groundfish ____ Pelagics _____ Shrimp _____ Other (specify) ___________________
Home/company addresses: ______________________________________State: _______ZIP_________
Tel. (____) _________ Cell (_____) ___________Fax (____) __________ E-Mail: ____________________
I would like to be considered for the Sept. 2012 workshop. I understand that the organizer will pay
airfare, accommodation, and workshop costs, and I will be responsible for local travel, meals and
personal expenses. I will commit seven days’ time (including travel time) for the workshop.
Signature_______________________________ Date: _________________
Additional Information
What is your main reason for attending the workshop
(check as many as you want):
 Increase knowledge of trawling in general
 Increase knowledge of conservation
technologies during trawl
 Better understanding of science
 Increase interaction with others to foster
cooperative research
 Other reasons: