Sorting grids or T-90 codend: Is there a solution to reduce unwanted bycatch in the Central Mediterranean crustacean trawl fisheries?

This study compared the selectivity of two sorting grids (G1-SM40 and G20-ST20) and a T90 codend to a control trawl in a commercial bottom trawl fishery  targeting deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) and European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in the central Mediterranean. All modified gears reduced catches of undersized shrimp and hake. The sorting grids improved target-species selectivity and reduced benthic discards relative to the control, and the T90 codend substantially reduced elasmobranch bycatch, particularly juveniles. Economic assessments showed that, although catch rates and revenues declined slightly, discard ratios decreased and selectivity improved, indicating a more sustainable exploitation pattern. Fuel consumption remained unchanged among gears, demonstrating that these modifications do not affect vessel energy performance.