Abstract: In one aspect, the sweepline system of the invention include a sweepline chain divided into a series of uniform subunits of common length attached along its U-shaped length to the hanging chains of the bottom trawl wherein such sweepline system is provided with its own separate auxiliary floatation system. In another aspect, a series of transverse drag chains are attached relative to the sweepline chain or the like, at a series of equally spaced junctions and downwardly sweep from such junctions in a downwardly depending direction, such junctions being located below the trawl net but above the bottom of the ocean, sea or the like wherein each drag chain comprises a series of chain links of overall length L defining a series of hinges therealong at the intersection of the individual links.