Low horsepower trawling

Historically, small vessels in the 10 to 15 meter length class equipped with low horsepower engines were considered unsuitable for trawling. Recently, however, Ocean Arks International (OAI) developed a self-contained commercial scale trawling system which is easily fitted aboard small vessels. The AQUARIA I, a 12 meter, sail-assisted research vessel, equipped with this system, has been fished successfully in the waters of New England over a 5 month period. In comparison to modern commercial trawlers in the area, the catch ratios of AQUARIA I are highly competitive and show real potential for profit.