International Seafood Consulting Group (ISCG) carried out in 2025 a project to find ways to extend the European perch trap-fishing season until late autumn. Currently, the fishing season with this method is practically only in spring and early summer when perch are spawning.
The project produced a lot of new information about the effect of trap design, soaking time, depth and bait on fishing efficiency. Underwater video recordings were extremely useful. In the attached video, two perches are swimming through the funnel into the fish chamber of a wire-trap. Underwater filming was done it in close collaboration with #CatchCam.
There is currently a great global interest in trap-fishing. Traps have less harm to ecosystems than many other gear types and thereby traps could be a good alternative for many regions. In addition, a trap can also act as an artificial reef. It is important, however, to keep in mind when trap fishing must be effective and profitable. In case not, there is little hope that such a gear will be adopted. Therefore, more research and development work is needed.
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (#EMFAF) supported us financially through #KuhaSuomi #Kalaleader.
