Experimental Mixed Gillnets Improve Catches of Narrow-Barred Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson)

A new gillnet made from multiple mesh sizes ranging 125 to 180 mm of stretched (experimental gillnet) was tested under commercial fishing conditions compare the performance with that conventional gillnets a opening (control gillnet). Catch efficiency and size selectivity between two types were evaluated throughout one year in three different locations waters Vietnam. Experimental caught narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson), spotted guttatus), wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) comparable amounts control gillnets, moon phase, month, depth explaining some variation catch per unit effort (CPUE). An analysis size-dependent comparison rates parameters showed experimental captured wider range sizes, but substantial proportion individuals larger than those by gillnets. This is higher weight effort, enterprises therefore could improve their economic benefits using modified sizes. Our findings also support biological environmental selection, which might extend other species.