Trials using a square mesh panel as a means of improving selectivity in demersal pair trawls

Summary

This report covers the latest in a continuing series of sea trials examining different methods of fish capture in an attempt to improve and standardise the design and position of square mesh panels or windows within the trawl to reduce the level of discards whilst retaining acceptable proportions of marketable fish. On these trials a panel was tested in a demeral pair trawl. 'The practice of pair trawling is seen by many as most destructive in view of the high levels of discards often taken by this method of fishing. The objective of the trials was to determine if the use of a square mesh panel would reduce the discard problem.

Publication Reference No.

IR1421

Publication date

01 February 1991