Bottom Trawling Changes Shape of Sea Floor
By Angela Messina, September 5, 2012 @ 07:49 PM (EST)
Source: LiveScience
A new study in Spain examined the effects of bottom trawling on the seafloor and found that this aggressive fishing technique actually alters the landscape of the seafloor.
Bottom trawling is the practice of dragging nets along the seafloor in order to catch fish and other marketable marine life. It is practiced all around the world, including off the Spanish Mediterranean Coast where this study took place.
Researchers found that in areas where trawling occurred, the seafloor was smoother and more regular, while un-trawled areas had more varied surfaces. Scientists are concerned that this homogeny could lead to less species diversity in animals that live in that environment.
Read more here.
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