Impact of Varying Mesh Size and Depth of Fishing on the Financial Performance of an Integrated Harvesting/Processing Operation for Redfish in the Northwest Atlantic

Abstract

Abstract The impact of alternative mesh sizes for codends of otter trawls on the profitability of a fishery for redfish (Sebastes spp.) in Division 2J-3K of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization area was examined. The implications of mesh size on catch rates, size of fish in the catch, and on long-term catches were translated into financial terms. Fishing with a 114-mm mesh codend in a depth range of 401-500 m was found to maximize profitability in the case examined, but a mesh size exceeding 127 mm must be used to optimize the profit margin in the 301-400 m depth range. The authors analysed the sensitivity of these results to key parameters such as vessel hold capacity, labour costs, and catch rates. Adoption of an annual fishing mortality rate of 0.05, a rate well below the current reference point of 0.14 for management of this fishery, was estimated to increase long-term profitability for the fleet studied.