The study evaluated the effects of LED light colors on catch per unit effort (CPUE), catch and bycatch rates, and carapace widths in swimming crab (Portunidae sp.) fisheries in Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. Waterproof flashing LED bulbs (36-48 h of continuous operation with a flash every 2 seconds) were secured to the top of traps using hooks to prevent them from sinking. Blue light showed a positive effect on CPUE, while green and red lights had negative impacts, however none of these trends were significant, and sampling location had a greater impact on CPUE than light treatments. Bycatch levels also varied by light treatment - blue and green lights had the highest levels of bycatch, and the control group had the lowest, with no statistical differences.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Fisheries Science
Contact information
Yasuzumi Fujimori
fujimori@fish.hokudai.ac.jp
fujimori@fish.hokudai.ac.jp
Summary
Field Studies
The effect of LED wavelength variations on catch efficiency in Portunidae trap fisheries
Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Terengganu, Malaysia; Pattani, Thailand; Penghu, Taiwan
Target catch
Protunidae crabs
Effect on bycatch species
Blue and green LED light increased bycatch levels, but the effect was not significant
Effect on target catch
Blue light showed a positive effect on CPUE, while green and red lights had negative impacts, however none of these trends were significant
Reduction technique
Fishing Gear