Evaluation of by-catch reduction devices for use in the artisanal pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus paulensis) fishery in Patos Lagoon, Brazil

Published source details Vianna M. & D’Incao F. (2006) Evaluation of by-catch reduction devices for use in the artisanal pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus paulensis) fishery in Patos Lagoon, Brazil. Fisheries Research, 81, 331-336.
Share Tweet Email

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Modify fishing trap/pot configuration Action Link

Modify fishing trap/pot configuration

A replicated, paired, controlled study in 1999–2000 in a shallow sandy estuary in the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil (Vianna & D’Incao 2006) found that fitting size-sorting escape grids to stationary shrimp net traps (stow nets) did not reduce the unwanted catch of white croaker Micropogonias furnieri compared to standard shrimp traps without a grid. For grid bar spacings of 25, 30 and 35 mm, unwanted catch of white croaker was not significantly different between nets (with grid: 16–39 fish, without grid: 28 fish). In addition, there was no significant difference in catches of target pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus paulensis between nets with and without grids (all bar spacings; with: 1,783–2,128 shrimps, without: 2,110 shrimps). Trials were done in the Patos Lagoon in late-1999–February 2000. Three commercial shrimp nets were fitted with a circular metal grid with one of three bar spacings (25, 30 or 35 mm) and one standard net was left without a grid. The nets were positioned randomly, and the grids changed between nets. Ten samples were taken, with each net fishing at the same time. Nets were set in the evening and retrieved at the end of the night. All catch was weighed, and fish were counted and identified.

(Summarised by: Rosslyn McIntyre)