Testing mesh sizes in gillnets
to reduce catches of small European hake
Target species:
Eurpean hake (Merluccius merluccius).
Area, Vessel
The trial took place to the South and West of Ireland (ICES VII b, g & j) on board Atlantic Fisher fishing vessel (22 m, 310 kW).
Eurpean hake (Merluccius merluccius).
Area, Vessel
The trial took place to the South and West of Ireland (ICES VII b, g & j) on board Atlantic Fisher fishing vessel (22 m, 310 kW).
Gear type:
demersal
Gear modification
Gillnets with four different mesh sizes were tested: 80, 100, 120, 140 mm.
demersal
Gear modification
Gillnets with four different mesh sizes were tested: 80, 100, 120, 140 mm.
Results:
In relation to the 80 mm gillnet, the 100 mm caught 62% less of small hake, the 120 mm caught 93% less, and the 140 mm caught 95% less. Meanwhile, in relation to the 80 mm, the 100 mm caught 77% more of large hake, the 120 mm caught 6% more, and the 140 mm caught 66% less.
In relation to the 80 mm gillnet, the 100 mm caught 62% less of small hake, the 120 mm caught 93% less, and the 140 mm caught 95% less. Meanwhile, in relation to the 80 mm, the 100 mm caught 77% more of large hake, the 120 mm caught 6% more, and the 140 mm caught 66% less.
Further information:
Mikel Aristegui-Ezquibela (mikel.aristegui.e@gmail.com
Mikel Aristegui-Ezquibela (mikel.aristegui.e@gmail.com
Citation :
, 2017.
Testing mesh sizes in gillnets
. In O’Neill, F.G. and Mutch, K. (Eds): Selectivity in Trawl Fishing Gears. Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Vol 8 No 1.