Objective Mechanical cockle fishery makes use of a suction dredging system that has been modified continuously in order to minimize damage to the product and by-catch. Further improvement to reduce sediment disturbance are promising but require a scientifically based technological approach. Improvement of the fishing gear and techniques is focused on the reduction of damage to the benthicenvironment, including sediment, benthos and juvenile cockles and aims for a better product quality (reduction of sand content and damage to the cockleshells). At present the main problem with technical improvement is the adjustment of the water jet in front of the gear and the transport of cockles on-board. The idea is to develop a more gentle flow and still achieve resuspension of cockles meanwhile minimizing resuspension of sediment and biota, to develop a more gentle transport system to minimise sand content and damage to the cockle shells and to evaluate the yield as a function of effort. Fields of science agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesfisheries Programme(s) FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002 Topic(s) 1.1.1.-5. - Key action Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme EAW - Exploratory awards Coordinator GERDIA B.V. EU contribution No data Address Butterhoek 1 1777 GM HIPPOLYTUSHOEF Netherlands See on map Total cost No data Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all KRISTIAN CHRISTIANSEN A/S Denmark EU contribution No data Address Saedding Strandvej 162 6710 ESBJERG See on map Total cost No data