Summary
This study evaluated a novel experimental bottom trawl equipped with a double-wheeled footgear developed for the inshore northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) fishery in Atlantic Canada. The gear combines two rockhopper disks per unit, aligned with the towing direction, aiming to reduce seabed impact while maintaining catch efficiency. Catch rates and size selectivity for target species were similar to traditional trawl gear, however, the experimental trawl produced significantly higher bycatch of juvenile groundfish, and captured more sea pens (Order Pennatulacea), providing evidence of unintended seabed disturbance.