Beam trawling

Beam trawling is a fishing method where a wide, heavy net is dragged along the seabed by a boat equipped with a large, horizontal beam or bar. The beam keeps the net open, allowing fishermen to catch bottom-dwelling species like flatfish and shrimp efficiently. It is typically used in coastal waters and can cover large areas quickly. However, this technique can cause significant disturbance to the seabed, damaging habitats and non-target species. Due to environmental concerns, beam trawling is regulated or restricted in many regions to protect marine ecosystems.