Marine

Report of Fishing Industry Science Alliance (FISA) Project: Effects of Codend Mesh Size and Twine Number on Nephrops Selectivity

March 18, 2015 by Marine Directorate Communications No Comments | Category Marine Directorate general, Marine Directorate Science, Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science report series

Experimental fishing trials carried out on the West Coast have shown that the selectivity of Nephrops improves as the mesh size increases from 80 to 100 and to 120 mm. Similarly, more juvenile whiting and haddock also escape as the mesh size increases. The results provide more information on the selectivity of Nephrops in towed fishing gears and could be useful in reducing discards.

Further trials planned for this year will investigate the effect that other factors such as lifting bags and chafers (which are used to protect the codend) have on the escape of Nephrops and young fish from Nephrops trawls.

These trials are funded by the Fishing Industry Science Alliance (FISA). FISA draws on the combined expertise of fishermen and scientists and supports research that delivers more sustainable and effective fisheries with projects that further scientific knowledge of Scottish fisheries.

Useful Information

• Read the full report here
• Fishing Industry Science Alliance (FISA)
• Marine Scotland Science

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