A new BIM report has identified how shorter tow times can improve fuel efficiency in the Irish Sea prawn fishery without compromising catch performance. The findings come from a fishing gear trial carried out on board the MFV Margaret Mary in the western Irish Sea during June and July 2026.
The trial used a quad-rig Nephrops (prawn) trawl configuration. It forms part of BIM’s ongoing work with the Irish fishing industry to improve the economic and environmental performance of this particular fishery.
Nephrops (Nephrops norvegicus), also known as Dublin Bay prawns or langoustines, are Ireland’s most valuable demersal fishery species. The western Irish Sea fishery is particularly important to Irish vessels, with a recommended catch of 6,493 tonnes for 2026.
BIM’s research focuses on practical measures to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining catch levels and profitability.
Matthew McHugh, Fisheries Conservation Technologist at BIM and lead researcher on the trial, said improving fuel efficiency has become a priority for fishing businesses as operating costs continue to rise.
“Reducing tow duration can lower fuel consumption per fishing trip while maintaining fishing performance. It can also help reduce carbon emissions and gear wear, delivering both economic and environmental benefits for fishing businesses,” McHugh said.
Fuel costs remain a significant challenge for the sector. At the time of publication in September 2026, fuel prices were quoted at approximately €1.13 per litre, up to 70% from 2025 levels.
Nephrops trawling in the Irish Sea is typically carried out around periods of slack water, when tidal currents are weakest between ebb and flood tides. Fishing operations generally begin up to three hours before slack water, with hauling continuing up to two hours afterwards.
This towing and hauling cycle repeats throughout a fishing trip, and many fishers prefer to operate during neap tides when tidal strength is lower.
A preliminary BIM study in 2025 examined the impact of tow durations of two, three, four and five hours. The research found no significant differences in Nephrops catches between the three-, four-, and five-hour tows.
The 2026 trial aimed to replicate these results in a second commercial fishing study and assess the economic implications of different tow durations. The trial monitored real-time tidal current strength throughout using a Doppler current profiler.
The findings indicate that shorter tow durations can improve fuel efficiency while maintaining catch performance, offering fishers a practical option to reduce operating costs and support more sustainable fishing practices.
The full report is available here.
