The Performance of the New Fishing Gears of the Anchovy Boat Seine Fishery Using a Hydroacoustic Method

Abstract

The anchovy boat seine fishery is conducted only in South Korea and Japan. This fishery has the largest fishing gear among towing net fisheries in the world. Hence, the expenses of manufacturing and repairing the fishing gear become formidable, and handling the huge fishing gear involves significant labor force and risk. Our research team has developed a small and a large improved fishing gears of the anchovy boat seine fishery. The performance of two improved fishing gears compared to the existent fishing gear was investigated using a hydroacoustic method. In particular, net shapes of the two improved gears and existent one were examined. As a result, it had a tendency that the height of the net mouth increased as the distance between two net vessels broadened. Between the small and large improved fishing gears, the height of the net mouth was not much different. The morphological characteristics of fish schools among two improved fishing gears and the existent one were precisely described. In consideration with the net shape, noise, and the number of escaped anchovy schools, the large improved fishing gear had the best performance. In addition, the water temperature and salinity at 10 similar to 20m where anchovy schools were mainly distributed was approximately 16 degrees C and 33.3psu, respectively. These results can contribute the efficiency and safety of the anchovy boat seine fishing operation.