Semi-pelagic self-adjusting otter boards: effects on the catching performance of a demersal trawl

In this study, we investigate whether replacing conventional seabed-contacting otter boards with semi-pelagic self-adjusting otter (SAO) boards, which have the ability to maintain a given height above the seabed, affects the catch efficiency of a demersal fish trawl. Experimental fishing trials, usi...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of fisheries and aquatic sciences 2024-04, Vol.81 (4), p.444-458
Main Authors: Eighani, Morteza, Malta, Tiago Veiga, Melli, Valentina, O'Neill, Finbarr G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Efficiency
Fishing
Gadinae
Haddock
Mammals
Ocean floor
Otter boards
Pleuronectes platessa
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In this study, we investigate whether replacing conventional seabed-contacting otter boards with semi-pelagic self-adjusting otter (SAO) boards, which have the ability to maintain a given height above the seabed, affects the catch efficiency of a demersal fish trawl. Experimental fishing trials, using the alternate haul method, were conducted in the Kattegat and Skagerrak with three otter board configurations using conventional seabed-contacting otter boards; the SAO set to maintain a target height over the seabed of 1 m; and the SAO set to maintain a target height of 5 m. Replacing conventional otter boards with SAO resulted in a loss of catch efficiency for haddock ( Melanogrammus aeglefinus), whiting ( Merlangius merlangus), and plaice ( Hippoglossoides platessoides), while no significant difference was found for cod ( Gadus morhua), common dab ( Limanda limanda), and lemon sole ( Microstomus kitt). When comparing the SAO-1 m and SAO-5 m, it was observed that SAO-5 m resulted in a loss of catch efficiency for haddock and plaice, a minimal reduction for cod, and no significant difference for whiting, common dab, and lemon sole.
ISSN:0706-652X
1205-7533
DOI:10.1139/cjfas-2023-0224