Modelling the effect of mesh size and opening angle on size selection and capture pattern in a snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) pot fishery

Size selection in commercial snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) pot fisheries is important for reducing on-board sorting and unintended mortality of undersized individuals. In this paper, we tested whether various sizes geometrically could pass through diamond meshes different opening angles, to estimate a model predicting the effect mesh size angle on selectivity. The was able explain results from earlier sea trials using pots. strongly dependent angle, making it less well-defined conical pots often used where varies. We predicted optimal Norwegian fishery 140 mm with 65° resulting high capture efficiency target (larger than 100 carapace width) low effort, approximately 10% catch consisting crab. Our can potentially be other fisheries.