UtiHavet - Development of pot for competitive and environmentally friendly catching of shrimp

Deep‑sea shrimp (Pandalus borealis) is the most important shellfish resource in the North Atlantic and one of Norway’s most valuable crustacean species. Today, shrimp are primarily harvested using bottom trawls, a method associated with high CO₂ emissions and considerable seabed impact. Pot fishing is gentler, allows for better size selection, and can yield higher prices for premium-quality shrimp — yet it is currently little used in offshore areas.

Building on experience with fjord pots, the project will develop a robust pot specifically adapted to deep‑sea conditions. The gear must withstand strong currents and variable bottom topography while ensuring high catch efficiency and excellent raw material quality. Development efforts will focus on optimal material choices, stability, and pot design to minimise environmental impact and improve profitability.

The overarching aim is to establish a sustainable and environmentally efficient fishing method that offers the ocean-going fleet a new product with a lower climate footprint and high value creation potential.