A fisheries research vessel, the SS Explorer

Here is our SS Explorer bringing in a successful haul of fish, with the ever-present seagulls  making an opportunistic swoop for an easy meal. 

As a fisheries research vessel, the SS Explorer  was involved in trawling, an industrial fishing technique where nets, or trawls, are towed through the water to catch fish. 

The crew  on deck would shoot, or release, the trawl gear  into the water using the trawl winch, which stores the heavy cables attached to the nets. 

Otter boards were also attached to the sides of the nets, which would ensure that they were kept wide open whilst being towed through the water.

The crew would then use the winch to bring the trawl gear, along with the catch, back onto the vessel; with the fish collecting at the end of the nets, known as the cod-ends, before being released onto the deck. 

Originally shared on our Facebook page by Filip.