Abstract: A method of controlling position of a trawl net is provided. The method may comprise: receiving, by a processor, a control input, wherein the control input comprises: (i) a selection of one of a plurality of position control modes, and (ii) a position control setpoint for the trawl net; receiving, by the processor, sensor data indicating a sensed position of the trawl net; generating, by the processor, a first trawl position control output based on the control input and the sensor data; determining, by the processor, a rate of change of bathymetry along a travel path of the trawl net; and in response to the rate of change of bathymetry meeting a threshold condition, generating a second trawl position control output by changing the one of the plurality of position control modes to another of the plurality of position control modes.

Abstract: A method of controlling position of a trawl net is provided. The method may comprise: receiving, by a processor, a control input, wherein the control input comprises: (i) a selection of one of a plurality of position control modes, and (ii) a position control setpoint for the trawl net; receiving, by the processor, sensor data indicating a sensed position of the trawl net; generating, by the processor, a first trawl position control output based on the control input and the sensor data; determining, by the processor, a rate of change of bathymetry along a travel path of the trawl net; and in response to the rate of change of bathymetry meeting a threshold condition, generating a second trawl position control output by changing the one of the plurality of position control modes to another of the plurality of position control modes.

Abstract: A method of controlling position of a trawl net is provided. The method may comprise: receiving, by a processor, a control input, wherein the control input comprises: (i) a selection of one of a plurality of position control modes, and (ii) a position control setpoint for the trawl net; receiving, by the processor, sensor data indicating a sensed position of the trawl net; and generating, by the processor, a trawl position control output based on the control input, the sensor data and predicted trawl net position data. The predicted trawl net position data may be generated by: defining, by the processor, a plurality of parameters; receiving, by the processor, input data comprising vessel speed data, tow line payout data, and a candidate drag coefficient value for the trawl net; and determining, by the processor, a tow angle based on the plurality of parameters and the input data.

Abstract: A segment for use in a trawl system having a cable and a longitudinal axis. The segment has a segment body and at least one passage extending from an inner side to an outer side of the body for receiving the cable of the trawl system. The segment body is hydrodynamically shaped such that the segment is urged away from the longitudinal axis when the segment is pulled through water by the cable. A trawl net system is also disclosed.