Catch comparison of sweeping trammel nets (ciker net) with different towing paths

Abstract

The sweeping trammel net (ciker net) is operated by lowering the net in a straight line and then pulling the last end of the net with a ship moving in a full circle where the other end functions as a circular axis (M1 method). An alternative way is for the net to be lowered and then towed by the fishing vessel along two opposing semicircular paths (M2 method). The success of fishermen using this net is determined by the swept area. Therefore, the catch for each net section can vary when using the M1 method but is relatively similar in the M2 method. This study compared the catch per net section from the same sweep axis operated with different towing line paths. The experimental fishing was carried out using 1 ciker net unit consisting of 6 pieces. The catch produced by the two operating methods was significantly different as indicated by t = -3.7852, df = 5, α = 0.05, and p-value = 0.01282. The average catch per section (n = 3) was 21 individuals for M1 operation and 47 individuals for M2 operation. The M1 method produced less catch than the M2 method.