On the Comparative Efficiency of Conventional and Bulged Belly Fish Trawls

Abstract

To ensure a greater vertical opening while under tow, a trawl
net with a bulged belly was made and compared with a conventional
design under actual fishing conditions. It was found that the new
design landed 31.8% more fish. Since the percentage lateral spread
was relatively less for the bulged belly net, it was inferred that this
net had higher head line height, while under operation and this was
further substantiated by a greater catch of off—bottom fishes. Further,
half the quantity of twine can be saved by changing the conventional
trawl to that of bulged belly type.