mike,
The trawlers were banned from using there BSC'S or bottom nets during the summer pollack season.These nets are the work horse and bottom net of the pollack fishery.Durring the summer season the trawlers spend alot more time dragging the nets around speculating or hunting for fish.Durring the winter season they are fishing pollack that are migrating to there spawning grounds so it is pretty easy to find them.The gov was trying to cut down on unnecessary bottom destruction and bycatch I believe.It might of had to do with one of the variety of crabs,I can't remember exactly anymore.It did not stop the trawlers they just beefed up the foot chain and added small rolllers or rock hoppers the size precsribed and ran them down anyways.I have seen a captain run these nets down in and out of 6' crags and such.You got to remember they have a million dollars worth of electronics on board that tell the exact composition,density of the bottom and net location, depth,speed etc.With the modern controllers for the doors{big metal side planers that can way a thousand plus} they can controll exactly where that net is.Add that to the knowledge of the cuurents involved and you can use the current to help get you unstuck if you do hang up.It will not stop them but will slow them down.It will add a little weight to balance on the scale.

As far as a knowledgeble wegie goes look at who owns the seattle trawl industry lock stock and barrel before you speculate.Oh yeah American seafoods is not American.