Influence of twin and multi-rig trawl systems on CPUE in the Danish Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) fishery

• Published in: Fisheries Research
• Main Authors: Feekings, Jordan P., Berg, Casper Willestofte, Krag, Ludvig Ahm, Eigaard, Ole Ritzau
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Norway; Gadus morhua
• Online Access: https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/publications/834cadbe-294b-4ef4-ad23-cd8ec72d2d81; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2015.11.017; https://backend.orbit.dtu.dk/ws/files/118482322/Publishers_version.pdf

One of the most effective ways to alter catch and length compositions in trawls is to adjust the meshsize or add selective devices such as sorting grids and selective netting panels. These changes are oftenintroduced into the fishery in a top down manner whereby fishermen are forced to comply with spe-cific legislation. However, fishermen have also introduced gear modifications that have contributed toimproving species selectivity in trawls. One of the simplest and most effective modifications that camefrom industry was the development and introduction of twin and multi-rig trawls. Here we analyse catchrates of four target species, Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), cod (Gadus morhua), plaice (Pleuronectesplatessa) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), to try and understand how the use of multi-rig trawlshave altered catch rates within the Danish demersal trawl fishery over the last 16 years (1997–2012).Results showed that catch rates of Nephrops in multi-rig trawls were significantly higher (1.89–2.03)than those in single trawls. For cod, haddock and plaice there was no significant effect of gear type. Theresults are discussed in relation to the Common Fisheries Policy reform and the increasing importanceof industry introduced gear modifications