Reduction of By-Catch in Two-Seam Overhang Trawl Using a Square Mesh Panels in Forward Part of Upper Belly and Codend

Reduction of by-catch in two-seam overhang trawl was studied by using a square mesh panels in forward part of upper belly and codend and comparison made with thai of the conventional two-seam overhang trawl. Fishing cruises were carried out randomly at depths of between 24 m and 34 m isobaths in the inshore waters of Mangalore coast. Alternative hauling technique was followed for maintaining similarity in towing direction, duration, speed and depth of operation to minimize the possible errors between the trawls. The results showed that the average by-catch was about 5.5 times lesser in two-seam overhang trawl using a square mesh panels in forward part of upper belly and codend than conventional twoseam hang trawl. However, the difference m reduction of by-catch in both conventional as well as experimental trawls was not found to be statistically significant.