Experimental Mixed Gillnets Improve Catches of Narrow-Barred Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson)

Abstract

A new gillnet made from multiple mesh sizes ranging from 125 to 180 mm of stretched mesh (experimental gillnet) was tested under commercial fishing conditions to compare the fishing performance with that of conventional gillnets with a 125 mm mesh opening (control gillnet). Catch efficiency and size selectivity between the two gillnet types were evaluated throughout one year of fishing in three different locations in the waters of Vietnam. Experimental gillnets caught narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson), spotted mackerel (Scomberomorus guttatus), and wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) in comparable amounts to the control gillnets, with the moon phase, month, and depth explaining some of the variation in the catch per unit effort (CPUE). An analysis of the size-dependent catch comparison rates and selectivity parameters showed that the experimental gillnets captured a wider range of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel sizes, but with a substantial proportion of individuals larger than those caught by the control gillnets. This is of higher weight per unit effort, and fishing enterprises therefore could improve their economic benefits by using modified gillnets with multiple mesh sizes. Our findings also support the biological and environmental benefits of the modified gillnet size selection, which might also extend to other species.