3rd International Conference on Coastal Zones and Oceanography
Renato C. Diocton
Samar State University, Philippines
Title: Effectiveness of using square mesh windows and Tortoise mesh on Shrimps trawl in Samar Sea, Philippines
Biography
Biography: Renato C. Diocton
Abstract
The study was conducted to determine and evaluate the effectiveness of square and tortoise type windows on shrimp trawl with an aim to minimize and regulate the bycatch within shrimp trawlers in Samar Sea. Results showed that there is no statistically significant difference in escapement or bycatch reduction using square mesh and tortoise shaped windows in the codend (P≤0.05). Bycatch forms an average 24% of the total catch at a relative fishing efficiency of 4.7 kg per hour of towing. Dominant species exploited was from the family Leiognathidae (slipmouths), forming 71% of the total catch when using the two window types. Although statistically not significant, we recommend using the tortoise shaped window which has a higher mean length escapement compared to the square mesh window. Its tortoise shaped mesh opening favors escapement of deep bodied fishes such as slipmouth. It could as well increase fish survival after escapement due to its shape that reduces contact to the window as fish escapes.