Benefits of square mesh codends in Queenslands scallop and prawn trawl fisheries

Authors: 
Campbell, M. and T. Courtney
Year: 
2006
Journal/Publisher Name: 
In Bycatch Communication Network Newsletter
Volume/Issue #: 
3
Page #s: 
13-15
Preliminary results indicate square mesh codends on trawl gear, used with turtle excluder devices, decreased bycatch of small fish, small crabs, sea urchins, shellfish, and undersize scallops when compared to standard diamond-mesh net codends. Catch of targeted scallop and prawn were not reduced by the square mesh codends.
Field Studies:
Location Fishing gear Reduction technique Bycatch species Effect on bycatch species Catch Effect on target catch Type
Australia Trawls Modified codend Bony Fishes Reduced bycatch Shrimp and scallop Did not affect target catch In the wild
Australia Trawls Modified codend Invertebrates Reduced bycatch Shrimp and scallop Did not affect target catch In the wild