Dredge

A Dredge is a piece of equipment that is used for Commercial Fishing, particularly for catching shellfish such as scallops, clams, and oysters. It is a metal frame that is dragged along the seabed, usually by a boat, and is designed to disturb the sediment and bring up any shellfish that are hidden within it.

The basic design of a dredge consists of a long, flat metal frame, also known as a dredge basket. Attached to this frame are metal rings or chains, with netting that hangs down behind them. The dredge is dragged across the seabed, with the wires or chains scraping along the bottom and collecting any shellfish in their path. The sediment that is disturbed by the dredge is kicked up and moved downstream, which can have an impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

The use of dredges has advantages in Commercial Fishing. Firstly, it allows fishermen to harvest large amounts of shellfish in a relatively short space of time. Secondly, it can be used in areas where other types of fishing equipment, such as nets or traps, wouldn't be effective. This is particularly useful in areas where the seabed is rocky or has a lot of very fine sediment.

At the same time, the use of dredges has also been associated with some negative environmental impacts. The dredging process can cause damage to the seabed, destroying important habitats for other marine species. It can increase water turbidity, which can harm other organisms living in the area. Additionally, the scraping of metal wires or chains along the seabed can cause significant noise pollution.

Overall, the use of dredges in Commercial Fishing is a controversial topic and it is important that the industry balances the benefits with the potential ecological impacts of this equipment. If used responsibly, dredging can be an effective method of harvesting shellfish, but it must be managed carefully to avoid causing harm to the marine environment.