The efficiency of selection grids in perch pontoon traps

Published source details Lundin M., Calamnius L., Lunneryd S. & Magnhagen C. (2015) The efficiency of selection grids in perch pontoon traps. Fisheries Research, 162, 58-63.
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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, controlled study (year not provided) in two coastal brackish sites in the Gulf of Bosnia, Baltic Sea, Sweden (Lundin et al. 2015) found that pontoon traps fitted with a size-sorting escape grid reduced the catches of small fish compared to traps without a grid. The proportion of the total catch of small perch Perca fluviatilis, whitefish Coregonus maraena and roach Rutilus rutilus in traps fitted with a grid (0–55%) was lower than traps fished without a grid (56–90%). In addition, average size of perch, whitefish and roach caught in traps with grids was larger (grid: 28–37 cm, no grid: 22–31 cm). Fish were sampled with two different types of pontoon trap used for perch fishing (see paper for specifications). The traps were located at two sites for a total of 27 fishing periods, in June-August. Each trap was fitted with a 30 x 40 cm size-sorting grid of vertical 2 mm stainless steel bars with 30 mm bar spacing. Grids were covered with fine-meshed netting for nine of the fishing periods to sample catches without a grid. All fish caught in the traps were measured. Sampling year was not reported.

(Summarised by: Natasha Taylor)