Study

Use of transparent netting to improve size selectivity and reduce bycatch in fish seine nets

  • Published source details Gray C.A., Larsen R.B. & Kennelly S.J. (2000) Use of transparent netting to improve size selectivity and reduce bycatch in fish seine nets. Fisheries Research, 45, 155-166.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Fit escape devices (panels/grids) to encircling nets

Action Link
Marine Fish Conservation
  1. Fit escape devices (panels/grids) to encircling nets

    A replicated, controlled study in 1998 of an area of sand and mud bottom in an estuary in the Tasman Sea, New South Wales, Australia (Gray et al. 2000) found that fish seine nets modified with transparent panels of netting improved the size-selectivity and increased the likelihood of escape of one of four commercially targeted species compared to conventional nets. The length at which fish had a 50% chance of escape was greater in modified nets than conventional nets for sand whiting Sillago ciliata (modified: 22.4 cm, conventional: 20.6 cm), and similar for three other commercial target species: sea mullet Mugil cephalus (modified:17.7 cm, conventional: 17.4 cm), flat-tail mullet Liza argentea (modified: 17.7 cm, conventional: 19.8 cm) and silver biddy Gerres subfasciatus (modified 12.2 cm, conventional: 12.3 cm). Percentage number (and weight) of fish escaping was higher in modified nets than conventional nets for flat-tail mullet (modified: 13%, conventional: 5%), but was not significantly different for sand whiting (modified: 50%, conventional: 48%), sea mullet (modified: 16%, conventional: 19%) and silver biddy (modified: 76%, conventional: 47%). In January–February 1998, a total of 15 shallow fish seine net deployments were made in Bellinger River estuary, New South Wales: 10 of a net modified with two transparent mesh panels (57 mm mesh size, 100 × 50 meshes long) in the wings leading to the codend, with and without a cover to sample the escaping fish; and five of a conventional seine net, with a codend cover (see paper for specifications of nets).

    (Summarised by: Leo Clarke)

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