Determining an optimal mesh size for use in the lampara net fishery for eastern sea garfish, Hyporhamphus australis
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Published source details
Stewart J., Walsh C., Reynolds D., Kendall B. & Gray C. (2004) Determining an optimal mesh size for use in the lampara net fishery for eastern sea garfish, Hyporhamphus australis. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 11, 403-410.
Published source details Stewart J., Walsh C., Reynolds D., Kendall B. & Gray C. (2004) Determining an optimal mesh size for use in the lampara net fishery for eastern sea garfish, Hyporhamphus australis. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 11, 403-410.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use a larger mesh size Action Link |
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Use a larger mesh size
A replicated, controlled study in 2003 in shallow, pelagic waters in the Tasman Sea off New South Wales, Australia (Stewart et al. 2004) found that seine nets of larger mesh size caught fewer unwanted immature garfish Hyporhamphus australis compared to smaller and conventional mesh sizes. The proportion and number of immature (<20 cm length) garfish in the total catch decreased with increasing mesh size and was 7% (198 fish) for 32 mm mesh, 15% (1,768 fish) for 28 mm mesh, 53% (2,007 fish) for 25 mm mesh, and 74% for conventional 12 mm mesh (10,792 fish). Sampling took place from a commercial fishing vessel between March and April 2003. A commercial seine net was split into four sections in which each tested mesh size was installed (32 mm, 28 mm, 25 mm and 12 mm) and position alternated between days. Fish were sighted and aggregated using fish bran food. Once feeding, the net was deployed, and the vessel encircled the net around the fish to be hauled. On deck, fish lengths were measured to the nearest half centimetre.
(Summarised by: Chris Barrett)
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