Gillnet selectivity and the efficiency of alternative combinations of mesh sizes for some freshwater fish

Abstract

The selectivity curves of nylon gillnets for burbot and two groups of Arctic charr of different fatness were found by the Gulland‐Harding method. They are compared to the selectivity curves of whitefish, brown trout, and perch. Based upon these curves and the relationships between most efficient mesh size and fish length, the pooled relative efficiency of a geometrical and an arithmetical series of mesh sizes was calculated for salmonids, burbot, and perch. This efficiency of the geometrical series is different for the three groups of fish, but equal for each group over the interval between the modal lengths of the smallest and largest mesh sizes. The efficiency of the arithmetical series is also different for the three groups, increases linearly with fish length, and is valid over the interval between the modal lengths of the second smallest and the second largest mesh sizes. Each series has its special advantages, and both are easily adjusted to the fish length interval of interest. They are especially adapted for the catch of salmonids. For these, the variations of condition factor is more important than any characteristics of the species, and its influence upon the most efficient mesh size to fish length relationship and the pooled relative efficiency of the two series of nets is evaluated.