using a quad-rig trawl

to improve selection in a Nephrops fishery

Target species:
Nephrops

Area, Vessel
30 catch comparison hauls, using a hybrid twin/quad-rig, took place in the Celtic Sea (ICES VIIg) on board MFV Celtic Chieftain (DA2)(22.4m, 431kW) during April 2014.
Gear type:
demersal (quad rig/twin rig)

Gear modification
Half a twin-rig and half a quad-rig were towed side by side. Nominal fishing circle for the quad and twin-rig trawls was 380 x 80mm and 650 x 80mm respectively. Nominal mesh size was 70mm throughout and a 110mm square mesh panel was fitted between 9 and 12m from the codline in all gears.


Results:
In the quad-rig there were increased catches of Nephrops of all sizes. Increased catches of small Nephrops and small cod. Reduced catches of large cod and haddock of all sizes. The results demonstrate improved species selectivity but also a need to improve size selectivity in the quad-rig.
Further information:
Daragh Browne browned@bim.ie <A href=http://www.bim.ie/our-publications/fisheries/> http://www.bim.ie/our-publications/fisheries/ </A>




Citation :
Browne, D. , 2017. using a quad-rig trawl . In O’Neill, F.G. and Mutch, K. (Eds): Selectivity in Trawl Fishing Gears. Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Vol 8 No 1.