Effects of Codend Mesh-Shape and Size on the Size Selectivity of Demersal Trawl Targeting Banded Scad (Alepes djedaba) in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea

Abstract

In order to optimize the size selectivity of demersal trawl targeting Banded Scad, Alepes djedaba, in the South China Sea (SCS), we tested and compared the selective properties of four experimental codends. These codends included two diamond-mesh codends (T0 codends) with different mesh openings (30 and 35 mm), and two T90 codends (the netting was turned by 90 degrees) with the relatively same mesh opening. The results demonstrated that the T0_30 codend (diamond-mesh codend with 30-mm mesh opening) presented the best size selectivity and is a potential choice to harvest Banded Scad in the studied area among the codends tested. Although applying the T0_35 or T90_30 codend might obtain a little improvement in size selectivity, the loss of marketable-size individuals could be a compromise. Considering the results in our study and those of previous studies, we recommend that the T0_30 codend should be mandated in the fisheries management regulation of trawl fisheries targeting Banded Scad in the SCS.