In the Netherlands, most shrimp are caught using a drag net that is pulled along the bottom of the sea (Waddenzee) from both sides of the shrimp cutter (fishing boat). This shrimping method is called beam trawl fishing. The two ends of a large iron pipe (beam) which is usually 6 or 9 metres long rests on two trawl irons or heads. A finely meshed net is attached to the back of the beam (which has the shape of a large triangle or purse). Just in front of the net, a bobbin trawl (or bottom roller) slides over the bottom; the ropes to which plastic or rubber rings have been added make sure that the shrimp are disturbed causing them to rise up and be taken by the trawl following immediately behind. The net is pulled in after 2 hours or so and the catch is hoisted on board.
