Does the Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) Have a Future In The Gulf of Maine?
Brown University Center For Environmental
Studies
Spring 2003
Commercial and Recreational Trends Together
Eric.Brazer@Alumni.Brown.edu
Page Last Updated: 5/16/2003
Recommendations for cod fishing gear
After drawing my conclusions I propose the following recommendations for
increasing the effectiveness of cod fishing gear:
§
Annual increases in mesh sizes
Increases in mesh sizes allow for juvenile cod and bycatch to escape from
the trawl. As mesh sizes are increased, larger and larger juvenile cod
and bycatch are allowed to escape. I have concluded that this regulatory
measure is one of the two most effective forms of management in the cod
fishery in the Gulf of Maine. Mesh size should be increased annually by
a small increment (for example, 1/8-inch) and should occur for a minimum
of 10 years (2-3 generations) before review. Fishers should also be provided
financial compensation for replacing their nets annually through monetary
packages or some form of "Net Buyback Program" financed by taxes
on nets and boats, license fees, and possibly a tax on fish sold at the
market.
§
Mandatory escape vents for cod in the flatfish fishery
Fishers who trawl specifically for flatfish such as flounder often catch
cod and other demersals as bycatch. To solve this problem iron
grates can be inserted into the trawl. The grates allow for flatfish
to pass through the slots into the net while cod and other demersals,
who can't fit through the bars, escape through a vent in the top of the
mesh. This gear modification should be mandatory for all fishers of flatfish.
This should be a permanent requirement.