Potential for codends with shortened lastridge ropes to replace mandated selection devices in demersal trawl fisheries

In many trawl fisheries, codend size selectivity is supplemented by adding selection devices to the gear. Barents Sea gadoid fishery, combining diamond mesh codends with sorting grids compulsory. However, use of increases costs and complexity gear, causing discontent among fishermen prompting researchers seek alternative solutions. Lastridge ropes are attached selvedges codend. this study, we tested effect shortening lastridge two different sizes on cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogramus aeglefinnus), redfish (Sebastes spp.). Shortening 15% increased opening during fishing process, which significantly improved size-selective properties codends. Further, L50 values were always higher for in short configuration. Therefore, shortened may be a simpler they applicable other fisheries additional used.