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STFA/CFMC Pilot Trap Vent Study Progress Report (8/1/2008). Completed Trips. Completed Trap Hauls. Total Fish (all traps). Catch/Trap Haul. Total Fish in Landings. Total Fish in Bycatch. % Bycatch. Empty Empty Traps. Reasons for Discard. Average FL in Bycatch. Average Lengths.
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Average Lengths Only 1Doctorfish in 2 x 4
Preliminary Findings • Study design works well. • Escape vents release fish but also release target fish (2 x 4). • Other vents do not differ from controls. • Need to test other vents in order to find a successful design.
Vent Design Considerations • Location. Currently all of the vents in the pilot study are located in the lower portion of the back panel of the trap (down as the trap is being hauled). • Visual cues. All of the vents in the present study were created by removing portions of the mesh. There are no collars around the vents and some of the fishermen feel that the current one inch wide vents might work if there was a visual cue. • Size. There is a general consensus that the 1 by 6 vent, or some modification of that vent size might be likely to improve escapement of by catch and the likely starting design will be some version of the 1 by 6 vent size. • Orientation. Escapement may be enhanced by either horizontal or vertical orientation of the vents.
STFA CRP Proposal • Goal: Design vents that will release target species and still retain landings • 18 Month study period • 8 Fishermen: to rotate among interested participants • Phase 1 Vents to be developed from pilot study findings • Phase 2 Vents to be developed from Phase 1 findings • Implement within STFA (46% of STT Trips) as soon as developed (i.e. Don’t have to wait for FMP amendment or compatible regulations