115mm and 155mm square mesh panels in the body of a trawl

to improve size selection and reduce undersized haddock in ICES Area VII

Target species:
Cod, haddock and other demersal species

Area, Vessel
12 hauls with a twin-rig; onboard MFV Our Olivia Belle in the Celtic Sea during August and September 2014.
Gear type:
demersal (twin rig)

Gear modification
The standard gear was a 115mm mesh size trawl with a 87mm codend and a 115mm SMP @ 6-9m from codline. In addition the modified gear had a 155mm SMP @ 2.5-5.5m from codline.


Results:
The modified gear reduced catches of haddock above 25 cm significantly, however, substantial numbers of small haddock were still caught. Significant and substantial reduction in cod catches across the full length range.
Further information:
Cefas.co.uk / Contact: Stephen.mangi@cefas.co.uk; Thomas.catchpole@cefas.co.uk




Citation :
Mangi, S. and Catchpole, T. , 2017. 115mm and 155mm square mesh panels in the body of a trawl . In O’Neill, F.G. and Mutch, K. (Eds): Selectivity in Trawl Fishing Gears. Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Vol 8 No 1.