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Trawl Spread Record Check

Compare direct trawl door- and wing-spread sensor records with an entered target and tolerance without inferring geometry from warp and depth.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Externally selected door-spread target and tolerance plus time-matched direct door- and wing-spread sensor records
Output to expect
Signed measured-versus-target door difference, tolerance status and retained door/wing records and ratio
How it works
Reconciles direct mensuration records; it does not infer trawl geometry from warp, depth or a single wire angle
  • Verify calibrated sensor identity, timestamps, units, attachment/location and data quality; keep door spread distinct from wing spread and document speed, depth, current, bottom and gear configuration.
  • Follow the exact vessel/gear/survey protocol and qualified trawl-master or fisheries-science review; this worksheet does not set warp scope, towing speed, doors, catchability or safe operation.

Choose your path

Built around the job you need to finish

Reconcile direct, time-matched door- and wing-spread sensor records with an entered target and tolerance without inferring trawl geometry.

Survey watch checking a tow record

Compare calibrated door spread with the exact protocol target and tolerance.

Enter target/tolerance and direct door/wing sensor values from the same interval.

Sees tolerance status without an invalid warp/depth estimate.

Gear technician investigating spread variation

Keep door and wing measurements distinct and preserve operating context.

Review sensor calibration, time, speed, depth, current, bottom and gear configuration externally.

Can flag a record without prescribing warp, doors or towing speed.

Fisheries scientist screening mensuration data

Avoid using one scalar result as catchability or tow-validity proof.

Apply the full survey protocol and quality review outside the worksheet.

Does not accept or reject a tow from this comparison alone.

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Reference & details

How it works

Use Direct Mensuration Records

Enter calibrated, time-matched door- and wing-spread sensor records. Door spread and wing spread describe different parts of the trawl and remain separate in the output.

Compare with the Exact Plan

Measured door spread is compared with an externally selected target and tolerance from the exact vessel, gear, survey, or operating protocol. The worksheet does not set that target.

Retain Operating Context

Interpret the record with sensor quality, towing speed through water, depth, current, bottom, warp, door type, bridles, net condition, and the full protocol. One comparison cannot validate catchability or tow safety.

Updated: August 2026

Example Scenarios

Compare time-matched measured door spread with the protocol target/tolerance while retaining direct wing-spread data.

Use the signed difference to find an interval for deeper review of calibration, speed, depth, current, bottom, doors, warps, and net condition.

Keep the comparison beside the full survey protocol and do not accept or reject catchability data from this scalar result alone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inferring door spread from warp, depth, and one angle

Actual geometry also changes with towing speed, current, bottom, doors, bridles, net, and other conditions. Use direct calibrated spread sensors and the full operating protocol.

Treating wing spread as door spread

Record the sensor identity and attachment location. Door and wing measurements are not interchangeable and may respond differently to gear changes.

FAQ

No. Enter a direct calibrated door-spread measurement. NOAA research shows spread varies with depth, speed, current, gear configuration, and other conditions.

Use the externally approved target and tolerance for the exact vessel, gear, survey, or operating protocol. The calculator does not recommend them.

Only that the entered door-spread measurement is within the entered numeric tolerance. It does not prove correct rigging, stable geometry, catchability, bottom contact, safe operation, or compliance.

Wing spread is a separate direct measure of net opening and can reveal different performance changes. Keep it time-aligned and do not substitute it for door spread.

Retain timestamp, sensors/calibration, vessel and gear IDs, speed through water, depth, current, bottom, warp, door/bridle/net state, and protocol review.

About Trawl Spread Record Check

This tool reconciles direct trawl mensuration records with an entered target and tolerance. It replaces the prior unsupported warp/depth estimate and keeps operational and scientific judgment external.