Dataset: cod bycatch redux gear_swimming behavior
Deployment: NEC-MP2000-2

Two trawl nets, the "Ribas net" and a Faroe Island design prototype, were constructed and tested at sea on a commercial vessel, against a conventional two-seam groundfish net, which served as a control. The two experimental nets both modify the top half of a trawl net; the Ribas by using large square mesh and the Faroese by removing much of the twine at the top of the net. The project goal was to reduce cod as bycatch up to 75-90% (and perhaps dogfish (Squalus acanthias) bycatch as well). This net was designed to target the following species: yellow tail flounder (Pleuronectes ferruginea), winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus), American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides), windowpane flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus), and skate (Rajidea).

Seventy pairs of alternate tows with the control net resulted in reductions of cod bycatch of >76% for both nets. Catch rates of sublegal yellowtail flounder were also >74% lower for both nets compared to the control. There were, however, reductions in the legal catch of yellowtail and winter flounders. Underwater video showed cod exiting the nets through the top mesh or gap made by removal of the twine. The results of this project have been presented to the New England Fishery Management Council Multispecies Plan Development Team, which encouraged participants to demonstrate the performance of the Ribas net in off-shore areas. The participants have continued the research with Saltonstall-Kennedy funding. However, modified versions of both nets were included as options in Amendment 13 to the Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. (from final report)