Performance of an Active Stimulating Device Using a Rope Kite or Array in the Cod End to Reduce Juvenile by-catch

Abstract

* Institute of Marine Industry, Department of Marine Production technology, College of Marine Science, Gyeongsang National University, Tongyoung 650-160, Korea An active stimulating device (ASD) using a rope apparatus may operated by the flow of turbulence inside a cod end, generating variable stimuli in addition to flow-related effects to minimize the by-catch of juvenile fishes. Preliminary testing involved a hydrodynamic effect inside the cod end with a rotating rope kite or conical rope array to generate variable stimuli (visual stimuli, water flow, or physical contact with fish) to change fish position. The experimental rope kite offered more choice in rotating period and range of sweeping action; adjusting the towing line or flow velocity helped to drive fish toward the net panel and encouraged escape. The conical shape of the rope array in the cod end helped to clear a path for fish by disturbing the rigging and providing more contrast between objects, preventing an optomotor response. This enabled more black porgy to be herded toward the net at an early stage of towing. Therefore, either a conical rope array or a rotating rope kite can be used as an effective ASD to prevent juvenile by-catch. Key words: Active stimulating cod end, Black porgy, Conical rope array, Rope kite