Make it simpler and better: T90 codend improves size selectivity and catch efficiency compared with the grid-and-diamond mesh codend in the Northeast Atlantic bottom trawl fishery for gadoids

The use of a sorting grid followed by size-selective codend with minimum 130 mm mesh size is compulsory in the Northeast Atlantic demersal trawl fishery targeting cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), and saithe (Polachius virens). However, grids cause some disadvantages, which possibly can be solved removing improving selectivity, thus making construction simpler. This study compared selectivity catch efficiency two diamond-meshed codends turned 90° (T90) different sizes (135 145 mm) those diamond-mesh codend. results showed that T90 145-mm caught 7.0% fewer 8.2% above reference length (MRL) configuration. By contrast, configuration, 135-mm increased capture MRL 4.4%, from 80.4% to 84.8%, 14.1% 45.2% 59.3%, 16.0% 59.7% 75.7%. fish below was minor far regulated limits. Our demonstrate simple represents an advantageous alternative more complex selection system rigid currently enforced fishery.