Designing pot entrances for flatfish: behavioral responses of European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and implications for fisheries

Authors
Berzosa, S.A., Noack, T., Hermann, A., Milanelli, A.M., Flores, F., Van Vlasselaer, J., Dahlke, F. and Stepputtis, D.,
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Aquaculture and Fisheries
Contact information
S.A. Berzosa:
Thünen Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries, Alter Hafen Süd 2, Rostock, 18069, Germany
sara.berzosa@thuenen.de
Summary

This study investigated how flatfish interact with pot entrances, employing European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) as a model species. Behavioral trials in a net-pen were conducted to observe plaice interacting with different pot entrance designs. Pot entrance position played a key role in plaice interactions with the gear. Low entrances near the seabed facilitated entry, while higher entrances reduced exit probability. Entrance size  and the presence and position of funnels had little effect. 

Link
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468550X26001061

Field Studies

Designing pot entrances for flatfish: behavioral responses of European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and implications for fisheries

Study Type
Study in the lab
Location
N/A
Target catch
Flatfish (plaice as model species)
Effect on bycatch species
Not studied
Effect on target catch
Pot entrance position played a key role in plaice interactions with the gear. Low entrances near the seabed facilitated entry, while higher entrances reduced exit probability. Entrance size and the presence and position of funnels had little effect.
Bycatch species
Bony Fishes
Juvenile or Non-target fishes (not always specified to species level)
Gadus morhua (Atlantic cod)
Reduction technique
Gear modification: Other
Fishing Gear
Pots