Abstract
The result of increasing the mesh size of Nephrops trawls in the Irish Sea from 70 to 80 mm (inside-mesh) throughout was investigated. The controlled variables were fishing method (twin-trawl and parallel-trawls) and diameter of twine used in the construction of the cod-end of the 80 mm net (parallel-hauls only). Significant reductions in catch-rate of Nephrops of 26% and 34% were recorded during 31 twin-trawl and 33 parallel-hauls tows when mesh size was increased to 80 mm with all other aspects of net construction remaining the same. The effects due to fishing method were not significant at the sampling levels attained. The diameter of the cod-end twine was a significant factor at the 10% error level in the parallel-hauls experiment. An increase in diameter from 4 to 6 mm in the 80 mm cod-end resulted in catch rates 20% lower than the 70 mm cod-end with 4 mm twine, compared with 34% when both cod-ends were constructed in 4 mm twine.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.