Pots vs trammel nets: a catch comparison study in a Mediterranean small-scale fishery

摘要: Passive bottom-set nets are the most widely used fishing gears in Mediterranean small-scale fisheries (SSFs). Trammel nets, particular, have key advantages such as their ease of use and handling high capture efficiency for numerous commercial species. However, they entail discard rates (5-44% total catch) connected to mortality, thus exerting an adverse impact on benthic communities, besides catching individuals species under minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) specimens protected Fish pots seen alternative a more sustainable gear type that allow reducing discards SSFs. In this study, collapsible pot was tested at three coastal sites north-western Adriatic Sea (GFCM GSA 17) compare its catch with local traditional trammel nets. Data analysis demonstrated similar species, both among whole. Moreover, net caught larger amount discards, terms number CPUEW. The comparison study involved two abundant landed common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis annular sea bream Diplodus annularis. were effective S. officinalis, whereas shorter length classes D. annularis, which mostly MCRS (12 cm). innovative could provide valuable traditionally Sea, least certain areas periods. Their main include do not require different rigging can be without bait, while foldable design allows large numbers easily loaded board SSF vessels. results pilot indicate achieve objectives bycatch SSFs penalizing