A Methodology for Estimating Area Fished for Baited Hooks and Traps Along a Ground Line

Abstract

The methodology that estimates area fished for baited hooks or traps involves experimental fishing of strings of baited hooks or traps at different spacing along a ground line. This methodology enables expansion of catch per effort to a population estimate, when other methods may be impracticable. Experimentation and estimation procedures are given and the method is applied to data for prickly sculpin (Cottus asper), halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria).Key words: baited hook, baited trap, stock assessment, fish density, longline, estimate