Quantifying the Physical Impact of Bottom Trawling Based on High-Resolution Bathymetric Data

Bottom trawling is one of the most significant anthropogenic pressures on physical seafloor integrity. The objective classification impact important to monitor ongoing fishing activities and assess regeneration integrity in Marine Protected Areas. We use high-resolution bathymetric data recorded by multibeam echo sounders parameterize morphology trawl mark incisions associated mounds Fehmarn Belt, SW Baltic Sea. Trawl marks are recognized continuous or isolated depressions with depths up about 25 cm. Elevated fringe a subset incisions. A net resuspension sediment takes place based volumetric difference between mounds. While not universally applicable, volume suggested as an indicator for future monitoring bottom Sea basins.