A parallel haul method was used to determine the effectiveness of a square-mesh escape panel, installed in a bottom trawl, in reducing the bycatch of scup (Stenotomus chrysops) and other finfish bycatch species during the winter. The square-mesh escape panel reduced the average catches of scup by 78% and 79% and catches of black sea bass (Centropristis striata) by 69% and 75% in weight and numbers respectively. The square-mesh escape panel was also effective in reducing catches of sublegal-size scup and black sea bass by 17% and 20% in weight and numbers respectively. However, catches of the target species, longfin squid (Doryteuthis (Amerigo) pealeii), were also reduced by 84% and 88% in weight and numbers respectively. Therefore the square-mesh escape panel is not a reasonable solution for bycatch reduction in this fishery during winter months.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Northeast Fisheries Science Center Reference Document
Volume (Issue #)
05-05
Page #s
46
Contact information
Lisa.Hendrickson@noaa.gov
Summary
Field Studies
Effectiveness of a square-mesh escape panel in reducing finfish bycatch in a small-mesh bottom trawl used in the longfin inshore squid (Loligo pealeii) fishery
Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Mid-Atlantic Bight, United States
Target catch
Longfin squid
Effect on bycatch species
The square-mesh escape panel significantly reduced the average catches of scup and black sea bass. The panel also reduced catches of sublegal-size scup and black sea bass.
Effect on target catch
Longfin squid catch was reduced by 88% and 84% in numbers and weight respectively.
Bycatch species
Reduction technique
Fishing Gear