The prawn trawling industry traditionally uses heavy steel slabs to spread the nets, these slabs scrape the sea bed in a plowing action.  This has a heavy impact on the sea bed and organisms that live there, as well as accumulating in the nets as a bycatch.

Working with Dr David Sterling has been a highlight for Olitek.  Over many years he has developed the Batwing Otter Board, a new device that has numerous benefits on the environment, reducing the environmental impact by at least 90%.  Additional benefits include 70% less drag, less wear, reduces trawler fuel consumption by 20%, reduces carbon footprint of the trawling industry.

The latest trials in Moreton Bay have not only proven the design and manufacture but also increased the catch of prawns!  Well done David, a win win for everyone.

Olitek looks forward to maintaining a long term business relationship with Dr D Sterling.

Click below for a video of the Batwing in Action!